Philippine National Police Launches First Regional Satellite Hub for Firearm Permits
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has inaugurated its first satellite hub for the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) Secretariat at the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) compound, marking a major advancement in firearms regulation. This initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline the firearms licensing process and enhance public safety in Eastern Visayas and neighboring regions.
According to Philippines News Agency, opened on Tuesday by PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil and Eastern Visayas Regional Director Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, is the first of its kind outside the main PTCFOR office in Camp Crame, Quezon City. “The establishment of this satellite hub signifies a crucial step forward in regulating firearm ownership more efficiently across the region,” stated the PNP in a release.
The PTCFOR hub is expected to expedite the processing of applications for carrying firearms outside residences, improving both service quality and access for licensed firearm holders in the area. The hub was funded through the PNP’s 2023 trust receipt fund, which allocated PHP5.12 million not only for this project but also for the development of the PRO-8 command center.
This new command center, described as state-of-the-art, is designed to act as the central coordination hub for regional police operations, which is crucial for enhancing public safety and security during emergencies and natural disasters. “It ensures seamless communication and collaboration among various units and agencies, which is vital for coordinating swift rescue and relief efforts,” the PNP noted.
Features of the command center include a war room for strategic planning and an operations area equipped with a large LED wall displaying real-time feeds, maps, and data from body cameras, CCTV, and drones. There is also a dedicated monitor for tracking vehicles, all aimed at supporting proactive policing and effective emergency response.