Minister of the Interior and the Police, Franklin Almeyda has published a full-page announcement in all of today’s newspapers that clearly establishes the government’s new policy regarding who carries a sidearm. In Resolution Number 09-05, Almeyda says that from now on, private firearm licenses, either first time issue, renewals,, legalizations or transfers, will be given exclusively for possession, not for carry. It is understood that this means that the weapon will be kept in the residence, business, industry or office of the owner. Such a firearm must be kept in the glove compartment or a sealed box if it is carried in a vehicle, and in this case the weapon must be empty of shells and the clip separate from the weapon. The resolution also allows people responsible for carrying valuables to carry a weapon after providing certification from their company and proof from the Director General of Internal Revenue or commercial banks, financial institutions or people providing personal security to business people, public figures, artists, outstanding professional people or people exposed to risks, who must receive special approval from the Ministry of the Interior and the Police.
The resolution also provides for official permits as well as emphasizing that the resolution applies to all existing gun permits.