MANILA - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it is revoking gun permits in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces and Cotabato City after they were placed under a state of emergency earlier this week.

"Effective today, all permits to carry firearms outside residence are hereby suspended indefinitely in the areas of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City," PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said during a press briefing at the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Verzosa said the PNP leadership is issuing several recommendations to ensure peace and order in the emergency areas following last Monday's massacre in Ampatuan, Maguindanao that killed at least 57 people.

He said the recommendations include the suspension of the deputation of all police units in Maguindanao.

He said the PNP will also recommend that close-in security aides for politicians be limited to two. He said security aides should wear uniforms during the performance of their duties.

He said civilians and unauthorized personnel impersonating law enforcers should be arrested and investigated.

Verzosa said the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines will conduct checkpoints in the emergency areas to effect the immediate arrest of suspects involved in the massacre.

He said the police is also investigating why a backhoe with the markings of the provincial government of Maguindanao was found in the area where the bodies of the victims were found.