Controversial journalist told to surrender firearms

Controversial broadcast personality Erwin Tulfo — already stripped of a police security detail — has been ordered to surrender his firearms given the lack of a valid licence.Tulfo’s licence to own and possess firearms lapsed last month, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Col. Bernand Banac said.“A notice has already been sent to his last known address recalling his registered firearms because before you can keep or own or possess firearms, if these are registered, you need to be a holder of a license to own and possess the firearms,” he said at a news conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City.A search warrant warrant will be secured if Tulfo refuses to surrender the guns, which the PNP will keep for temporary safekeeping.Banac declined to say how many and what type of firearms were owned by Tulfo.Tulfo and his brothers — Ramon, Raffy and Ben — were earlier stripped of their police and Marine security details after he lambasted Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista — a former general — on air.Banac clarified that the latest order only covered Tulfo as his brothers still had valid firearms licences.He can apply for a new license but only beginning June 12 when a nationwide gun ban ordered for the May 13 mid-term elections expires.He will also have to undergo a mandatory drug test, neuropsychological test and an interview, Banac added.