PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief, General Dionardo B. Carlos yesterday said he favors the streamlining of requirements for qualified Filipino gun-holders applying for licenses that will allow them to possess and carry firearms.

At present, gun holders are required to secure a License to Own and Possess Firearms or LTOFP and a Certificate of Firearm License in order to buy a new gun or renew their gun papers.

There are also strict requirements being asked from individuals seeking a Permit-to-Carry-Firearm-Outside-of-Residence.

Requirements for new LTOFP applicants from the private sector include a mandatory drug test, a neuro-psychiatric test, a National Police Clearance, a Gun Safety and Responsible Gun Ownership Seminar Certificate, a National Statistics Office-issued Birth Certificate or unexpired passport, Proof of Latest Billing, photocopy of Income Tax Return, barangay clearance, Proof of Income, two valid Identification Cards and seven pieces of 2X2 pictures.

Those renewing their LTOFP need to pass a drug and an NP test and secure a National Police Clearance. All applicants are required to have an Online LTOFP Account by logging-in at www.feo-system.com.

“Meron na po tayong posisyon diyan at ang sinasabi nga ho natin, dahil doon sa bagong batas, may iba-ibang—may lisensya, may registration, may permit to carry. Ipag-pare-pareho na lang ho natin ito para hindi po nalilito ‘yung taumbayan,” Carlos said.

However, the top cop maintained that gun ownership in the country remains a privilege that is given only to responsible citizens.

“So we want it to be accessible, easy para sa mga nais magkaroon ng privilege na makahawak ng baril. So, we make it easy for our citizens who are authorized or qualified to avail of this privilege,” the PNP chief added.

The House Committee on Public Order and Security last November 16 approved the substitute bill for the measures seeking to fix the validity of an LTOFP or a firearm license to five to ten years.

Former PNP chief-turned Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ M. dela Rosa said that once passed, the proposed amendment on Republic Act No. 10591 otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act of 2013” will be advantageous to all the stakeholders including the government, for it will ensure additional revenue to the administration coffers.

Dela Rosa said the proposed amendments under his Senate Bill 1155 entitled “An Act Fixing the Validity Period of the License to Own and Possess, Permit to Carry Outside of Residence or Place of Business and Registration of Firearms, Amending for the Purpose Sections 7 and 19 of Republic Act No. 10591, Otherwise Known as the ‘Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act’.” will account all loose firearms in the country.

“The spirit of that amendment is to account for all loose firearms na naglilipana, so advantageous yan on the part of the government dahil nga mababawasan ang loose firearms. Dadami itong registered firearms na magiging under the control and regulation by the government,” the senator said.

The lawmaker said they learned from a series of consultative hearings with different sectors that the proposed amendments will be advantageous to all and even on the side of law enforcement authorities.

Under the proposed measure, firearms registration validity will become five years from the previous four years. Dela Rosa said it is very practical to set a longer validity period that will be renewed at the same time with that of the License To Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF). This will fundamentally extend the capability of the gun owner to be responsible and his capacity to defend himself and his loved ones, he explained.

Another salient provision under the proposed measure is setting the LTOPF validity also for five years and will be renewed on the date of birth of the license holder. This would serve as an easy breeze to remember and accomplish on the part of the licensee.

Lastly, the amendment also seeks to extend the validity period of the Permit To Carry Firearms from one year to two years.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon