OVER 7,300 License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and Firearm Registration (FR) were revoked by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 2023, PNP Civil Security Group director Major General Benjamin H. Silo Jr. told the Journal Group.

The official, in a report to PNP chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., said that from January to December 2023, a total of 837 LTOFPs and 6,107 FRs were revoked by the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office, which is under the supervision of the PNP-CSG.

A total of 461 licenses and permits were also revoked and gun owners were perpetually disqualified from owning guns after they were found to have committed serious offenses.

Under the law, the grounds for revocation include involvement of the owners in violations like illegal drugs, illegal gambling, commission or pendency of a crime involving firearms and ammunition, prolonged non-renewal of a firearms license, illegal or unlawful transfer of firearms and violation of the election gun ban.

An LTOPF may also be taken back because of conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude or any offense where the penalty carries an imprisonment of more than six years; loss of the firearm, ammunition, or any parts thereof through negligence; carrying of the firearm, ammunition, or major parts thereof outside of residence or workplace without the proper permit or in prohibited places; dismissal for cause from the service in case of government official and employee; and noncompliance with reportorial requirements.

Failure to renew the registration of the firearm on or before the date of expiration shall likewise cause the revocation of the license of the firearm.

The said firearm shall be confiscated or forfeited in favor of the government after due process.

In 2022, the PNP-FEO revoked 41 LTOPFs for various violations and seized 201 firearms registered under those licenses in the same year.

Thirty-one of the LTOFPs revoked were issued to individuals who were charged for violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Under RA 10591, an LTOPF is granted to an applicant who has passed the psychiatric test administered by a PNP-accredited psychologist or psychiatrist; passed the drug test by an accredited and authorized drug testing laboratory or clinic; passed a gun safety seminar which is administered by the PNP or a registered and authorized gun club; filed in writing the application to possess a registered firearm which shall state the personal circumstances of the applicant; presented a police clearance from the city or municipality police office; and never been convicted or is currently an accused in a pending criminal case before any court of law for a crime that is punishable with a penalty of more than two years.

An individual may own between two and 15 firearms while a certified gun collector may be allowed to register more than 15.

Violations of the law may result in imprisonment of six to 40 years.

Silo also warned gun owners that their failure to comply with laws and regulations may result in the revocation of their licenses and filing of criminal cases against them.

Once their licenses are revoked, the guns of the individuals will be confiscated by the police and forfeited in favor of the government.

Perhaps the most controversial Filipino whose LTOFP was revoked in 2023 was dismissed Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo ‘Arnie’ Teves Jr.

In February 2023, the PNP-FEO revoked the LTOFP of Teves after it discovered that the former lawmaker’s license application lacked documents.

As a result, Teves was forced to surrender 12 firearms registered under his name.

Teves was accused of masterminding the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others inside the latter’s house in Pamplona.

He and several co-accused, including his brother, former Gov. Pryde Teves, have been declared as ‘terrorists’ by the Anti-Terrorism Council and charged in court.

The once proud and mighty Teves since then has gone hiding in Timor Leste with efforts ongoing to bring him back to the country to face the murder charges filed against him.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon