In response to numerous inquiries on PNP Circular No. 2011-005, here are our comments:

1. The Circular is merely a reiteration of well-established rules that are already in force regarding the possession, carrying and bearing of firearms. What was added were merely the expansion of the PTCFOR requirements for Military and law enforcement officers, who are now covered by the rule requiring PTCFOR when carrying their firearms outside of residence or while in civilian attire.

2. Anyone, whether civilian, PNP, or military, when wearing civilian attire or out of uniform and carrying a firearm outside of residence, is required to carry the firearm concealed. This means that the firearm must be kept out of sight whether in a bag, inside the waistband, under a shirt, under a jacket, inside a pocket and/or by any other method of concealment. The important point is that the fireram must not be seen and must not be brandished openly in public.

3. The Circular now allows as many PTCFORs per licensed firearms a gun owner may own, provided that at any one time, only one PTCFOR may be used and one firearm carried. No long guns may be issued a PTCFOR. A PTCFOR is non-transferable.

4. Gun free zones are “strongly advocated” for regional, provincial, district directors, and Chiefs of Police. These gun free zones would be established by way of local ordinances by Local Government Units upon recommendation of the local PNP. Proposed gun free zones are schools, commercial establishments, places of worship, and tourist spots.