Arming CVOs not that easy—Treñas
Arming the barangay tanod or Civilian Volunteer Organization (CVO) is not easy.
This is the reaction of City Mayor Jerry Treñas to the proposal of Councilor ex-officio Irene Ong to allow the barangay tanod to carry firearms so they could help in crime prevention.
Ong is barangay captain of Brgy. Pres. Roxas and is president of the Liga ng mga Barangay - Iloilo City chapter.
Treñas said there are rules that need to be properly observed in allowing certain sectors to carry firearms. He said, one has to comply with the requirements set forth by the law.
Ong has yet to discuss her plans with the chief executive but the latter stressed that there are governing rules in the issuance of a permit before a person is allowed to bring firearms. The rules should be followed in the issuance of the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR). Even, a mayor has to apply for a PTCFOR, said Treñas.
The authority granting the issuance of a PTCFOR is under the chief of the Philippine National Police through the Firearms and Explosive Office. The gun carrying privileges is made upon the recommendation of the local police to the Philippine National Police hierarchy.
The mayor hinted that his approval of the plan "depends" on how Ong will present the proposal to arm the CVO members to help the police in their campaign against criminalities. The need to arm the CVOs has to be to be assessed.
It was learned that a PTCFOR is granted to an individual if his or her is under threat. The gravity of the threat is being validated prior to the issuance of the permit. A corresponding fee is also being paid for the license.