Interior Secretary Benjamin 'Benhur' Abalos Jr. on Tuesday said he had ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to review its policy on the issuance of permits to carry firearms outside the residence.
The orders come after unidentified assailants wearing pixelated police uniforms ambushed and killed Aparri Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and five of his aides last Sunday, February 19.
"Kailangan ding mas maging masigasig ang PNP sa pagsasagawa ng Oplan Katok o pagbibisita sa mga bahay upang kusang isuko ang mga armas na expired na o hindi rehistrado. Kapag hindi lisensyado, kumpiskahin agad," Abalos said in a statement.
The DILG chief said that he also ordered strict policies on the sale and use of police uniforms.
"Walang dapat magbenta ng police uniforms kundi ang mga accredited suppliers lamang, at walang dapat mag-uniporme ng pulis kundi pulis lamang," he added.
Abalos assured that the Special Investigation Task Force of the PNP Regional Office is already investigating the case, and it is conducting manhunt operations to search for the individuals who are responsible for the killings.
He once again condemned the killing of Alameda and his five aides.
"Nakakalungkot at nakakagalit ang insidenteng ito. Tila nagiging garapal na ang mga kriminal na ito at wala ng pag-aatubili sa pagsasagawa ng kanilang masamang gawain," he said.
"Hindi natin papayagang magpatuloy ang mga ganitong uri ng krimen at mamayani ang kasamaan," Abalos added.
