PNP orders recall of firearms owned by broadcaster Tulfo

June 7, 2019

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) ordered the recall of firearms owned by radio broadcaster Erwin Tulfo after his license expired last May.

“The Philippine National Police has ordered for the recall or temporary safe keeping of the firearms of Erwin Tulfo in as much as the license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) of Mr. Erwin Tulfo has already expired,” Police Colonel Bernard Banac, the PNP spokesman, said in a press briefing on Friday.

Banac explained once it expires, there is no reason for an individual to own firearms even if the license of the firearms they keep is still valid.

“They need to be surrendered for temporary safe keeping,” he said.

Banac did not say how many firearms are owned by Tulfo, saying the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) are still conducting inventory.

He said the PNP sent notice to his address Friday recalling his registered firearms.

In case Tulfo did not surrender or failed to surrender his firearms, Banac said he can be subjected to a search warrant.

“Remember, all firearms holder or owners need to have in possession (of) a license to own and possess firearms. Without this, there is no reason for an individual to keep firearms even if these are registered or license firearms,” he said.

Banac said the licenses of his brothers are still valid.

He said Tulfo can renew his license after the election period as the Commission on Elections gun ban is in effect until June 12.

“The submission of renewal would have to be done after the election gun ban and if they would apply for the renewal, this would have to go to the normal process,” said Banac.

Once surrendered, Tulfo’s firearms may be kept in the nearest police station or to the Firearms and Explosives Office in Camp Crame.

PNP reminded the public to keep firearms inside their homes and surrender to the police station their expired firearms.

“Once you were caught during police checkpoints, you will face violation under the Omnibus Election Code,” said Banac.

It can be recalled that Tulfo earned the ire of retired police and military officials after he lambasted Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista who could not give him an interview.

The PNP also recalled his police security details and his family. The radio broadcaster apologized to Bautista. Ella Dionisio/DMS