By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has initiated formal proceedings to revoke the firearm license of a man seen in a viral video brandishing a handgun following a multi-vehicle collision in Makati and Taguig.
“The government is allowing gun ownership of its civilian citizens for protection, not for bullying and other forms of intimidation. Once guns are used other than protection, then the owner automatically loses the right to bear one,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement Tuesday.
Nartatez said this principle applies to the individual in the viral video, as police proceed with both an investigation and the process of revoking his firearm license.
The incident stemmed from footage showing a man holding a firearm outside a pickup truck that had rammed another vehicle along Chino Roces Avenue on April 24.
Police clarified that the incident involved a multiple-vehicle collision —not road rage or robbery— and confirmed that the motorists involved have since reached an amicable settlement.
However, Nartatez said a private settlement does not excuse the irresponsible display of a firearm, adding that authorities are pursuing the man to ensure he faces administrative consequences.
“I am warning our kababayan to refrain from brandishing their firearms as this can disrupt order in our communities,” he said.
The PNP emphasized that openly displaying a firearm in public remains a serious violation, even if no shots were fired or no robbery occurred.
Nartatez reiterated that firearm ownership carries strict responsibilities under existing laws and regulations, and misuse or improper display will be dealt with firmly.
In a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Randulf Tuaño said the man surrendered to the police on Monday night and turned over his .45 pistol.
Tuaño said the Makati City Police Station is preparing to file a case for alarm and scandal against the suspect for brandishing his firearm.
Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) chief Rudecindo Reales said the man is a private protection agent whose license was issued on Oct. 3, 2024 and is valid until Oct. 3, 2029.
The SOSIA oversees regulations governing private security personnel. (PNA)
