Leading the event was Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), who explained that the one-day event was a one-stop shop to secure License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PCFOR). “Many journalists are complaining of difficulty in securing a firearm license. Journalists also took the neuro-examination and drug tests right at the NPC building, aside from applying for National Bureau of Investigation clearance. Undersecretary Marvin Gatpayat of the Presidential Communications and Operations Office said President Rodrigo Duterte is concerned about the safety of journalists. Aside from Que’s murder, the task force reported eight shooting incidents, eight cases of threat, one detention, one request for continued Witness Protection Program coverage, two physical attacks, a complaint and an arrest involving journalists.

Source: Manila Times July 07, 2017 13:07 UTC