DELINQUENT firearm holders are now trooping to Camp Crame on weekends to renew their licenses and permits at the One-Stop Shop of the Philippine National Police, the Journal Group learned yesterday.

PNP Civil Security Group director, Brigadier General Benjamin H. Silo Jr. however said there is still a big need to push more than half-a million Filipinos with delinquent firearm licenses to get or renew their License to Own and Possess Firearms and Firearm Registration papers even on Saturdays and Sundays.

Since PNP chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. approved the recommendation of the PNP-CSG to open their OSS near Gate 1 of the PNP national headquarters from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, hundreds of delinquent gun-owners have already availed of the program.

Since its start last June 10, more than 400 people have already taken their drug test, neuro-psychiatric examination and National Police Clearance at the PNP-OSS.

More than 200 LTOFP and Firearm Registration have been printed as a result.

The top cop said he fully supports the PNP-CSG and the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office’s move which will also greatly help in their effort to account for more loose firearms in the country in time for the October 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

“By extending office hours, we can better accommodate the needs of the public and ensure that firearms applications are handled efficiently and with the utmost professionalism in compliance with the requirement of Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services Act,” the top cop said.

With this, the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office headed by Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth T. Lucas have opened their Stakeholders Assistance Centers to serve those who have work and cannot avail of their help during weekdays.

The move is expected to attract more delinquent gun-holders including members of the PNP and other Law Enforcement Agencies to renew their LTOFP and Firearm Registration during weekends where they can find more available parking spaces since most PNP Uniformed and Non-Uniformed Personnel assigned at Camp Crame are observing their day-offs.

“With this scheme, we believe we can better serve by giving our stakeholders the time to apply for new or renew their LTOFPs and Firearms Registration on weekends without the need to be absent in their respective works,” said Brig. Gen. Silo.

Effective last June 10, a crew from the PNP-FEO, the PNP Forensic Group and the PNP Health Service are working to help those who will be renewing their gun licenses.

To ensure a smooth and streamlined process for all applicants, Brig. Gen. Lucas explained that the cut-off time for the Neuro-Psychiatric and Drug Testing will be at 2:00 P.M.

Both the PNP-CSG and the PNP-FEO have assured the public of their unwavering effort to provide fast, efficient and exceptional service to the community in line with the national government’s commitment to streamline bureaucratic processes.

Brig. Gen. Silo made the recommendation to Gen. Acorda noting the need to offer their service to those who can’t go to their OSS on weekdays. “We’re talking here of accessibility and convenience to everybody,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Lucas for his part said they remain resolute in prioritizing the needs of their stakeholders and the decision to extend their office hours on weekends serves as a testament to that commitment.

“The organization is dedicated to going above and beyond in providing excellent service, ensuring that stakeholders’ requirements are met promptly and efficiently,” he said.

The PNP-CSG move was particularly aimed at giving gun-holders with delinquent licenses the big opportunity to renew their papers on weekends inside Camp Crame without thinking of where to park since there would be more available parking slots for them on Saturdays and Sundays.

Most often, Camp Crame visitors and clients of different PNP regulating offices like the PNP-FEO and the Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies complain about the lack of available parking space inside the camp on weekdays.