SUSPENSION of permits to carry firearms among civilian gun-holders may still be in effect despite the lifting of, Presidential Proclamation No. 1017 declaring a State of National Emergency, throughout the country.

No contrary order or announcement has been handed down by authorities as yet as gleaned from the Pangasinan PNP through its website www.pnp-pangasinan.com. The website said the permit suspension was being carried out in order to prevent or suppress lawless violence.

PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao has ordered all 17 police regional offices in the country to set up checkpoints in strategic locations and to check and inspect persons carrying firearms. In that order, Lomibao said only personnel of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation and Coast Guard will be allowed to carry firearms.

This means that civilian bodyguards or agents of politicians, and other civilians, will not be allowed to carry firearms outside their residence for the duration of the state of national emergency.

Corollary to this, PNP Spokespersons Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said applications for PTCFOR were also held in abeyance.

The PNP said the Supreme Court upheld its previous actions suspending the PTCFOR because the right to bear arms is more a statutory privilege than a constitutional right.

Its cancellation constitutes a reasonable exercise of police power.