Goking backs easy PTC requirements for traders

Councilor George S. Goking today opined businessmen applying for Permit To Carry firearms should be spared from complying with stringent requirements.

The councilor’s statement came following the spate of ambush, hold-up and other crimes in some parts of Mindanao and the rest of the country.

Businessmen need firearms for self-protection considering recent cases of ambush and robbery, he said.

It can be recalled that a media man was held-up recently while the convoy of Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. was ambushed last week in Maguing, Lanao de Sur. The governor survived the attempt on his life.

Goking, chair of the City Council committee on ways and means, said it is fitting to allow businessmen to carry firearms for their protection, adding it may also help the Philippine National Police (PNP) in maintaining peace and order.

The councilor recommended to the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) to make it easy for the businessman-applicants to secure PTC.