Priests pray for pistol permit

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has received 248 requests for firearms licenses from religious leaders following the killing of three priests by gunmen.

Of the figure, 188 applicants are from the Catholic church while the rest were filed by pastors and leaders of other religious denominations, PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said in a press briefing in Camp Crame on Wednesday.

Permits would be given to qualified applicants and those who comply with requirements, said Albayalde.

Albayalde reiterated his call for priests and private individuals at risk to report threats to their safety and coordinate with local police units. He said the PNP is willing to provide firearms proficiency training for interested parties.

Albayalde explained that like other private individuals applying for a License to own and possess firearms and permits to carry firearms outside of residence, priests are entitled to own up to two firearms depending on the category applied.

Automatic rifles and so-called long firearms are not covered by the permits.