MANILA — The absence of a full-time Philippine National Police (PNP) chief is affecting several services particularly t he issuance of gun permits.
The issuance of permits to carry firearms outside residence (PTCFOR) had been deferred since Dec. 3 following the suspension of the former PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima.
The PTCFOR is a document issued to authorize gun owners to carry their firearms wherever they go for the purpose of giving them protection.
It is, however, different from a firearm license which is mandatory for all firearms holders as it is only given to individuals who are under serious threats.
In a report for the Philippine Star, an unnamed source revealed that the PNP has stopped issuing gun permits because of the absence of the full-time PNP chief.
The PNP chief is the person authorized by law to sign the permits.
Depurty Director Leonardo Espina who is currently serving as the PNP officer-in-charge apparently has no authority to sign the PTCFOR.
The President, meanwhile, has yet to appoint a full-time PNP chief to resolve the problem.