PNP to gun owners: Comply with strict rules or face the law
ALL licensed gun-holders need to fully comply with strict requirements of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 or face legal suits, the Philippine National Police Civil Security Group (PNP-CSG) said.
The PNP-CSG headed by Major General Leo M. Francisco last week started checking the firearms of Type 5 License holders as part of its effort to arrest the possibility that any of these weapons are already missing, stolen or illegally transferred to other persons.
Under the law, PNP chief, General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, may issue appropriate licenses to a qualified individual subject to requirements under RA 10591.
A Type 1 license allows any citizen to own and possess a maximum of two (2) registered firearms; a Type 2 license allows any citizen to own and possess a maximum of five (5) registered firearms; a Type 3 license allows any citizen to own and possess a maximum of ten 10 registered firearms; a Type 4 license allows a citizen to own and possess a maximum of 15 registered firearms; and a Type 5 license allows a citizen who is a certified gun collector, to own and possess more than 15 firearms.
In addition to the foregoing categories, individuals categorized as antique firearm collectors shall apply for an antique firearm collector’s license and be required to comply with the provisions of the Revised IRR.
In case of Type 5 category, the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office is mandated to issue guidelines on the issuance of authorization for the acquisition of additional firearms by a citizen.
The law also says that ‘for Types 1 to 5 licenses, a vault or container, secured by lock and key or other security measures appropriate under the premises imposed by the FEO, shall be required.
On the other hand, holders of Types 3 to 5 licenses must comply with the inspection requirements of the PNP before the issuance of license.
Failure on their part to comply with any of the requirements mentioned is a ground for the denial of license.
The inspection shall be limited to visual, announced seven days prior, and conducted during office hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) in the presence of the licensed citizen or his authorized representative and must be limited to the compliance on vault requirement.
The Inspection Team shall be covered with a Letter Order issued by the Director, CSG, the IRR says.
Private individuals who are licensed holders of Class-A light weapons must also comply with the provisions of the law.
RA 10591 also says that the imposition of penalty for any violation of the law shall carry with it the accessory penalty of confiscation and forfeiture of the firearm, ammunition or parts thereof, machinery, tool or instrument in favor of the government which shall be disposed of in accordance with law.
Maj. Gen. Francisco earlier ordered his men to inspect the guns of all holders of License to Own and Possess Firearms and Firearm Registration starting this week, beginning with Type 5 license.
According to PNP spokesperson, Brigadier Gen. Jean S. Fajardo, the move is aimed at ensuring that all individuals given the Type 5 License are still in possession of their licensed guns.
Type 5 Licensees are mostly wealthy people who can afford to buy and keep and renew the permits of more than 15 guns.
They include politicians, government officials, PNP and Armed Forces and other law enforcement officers, big businessmen, gun enthusiasts and other VIPs.
The PNP-CSG has released an advisory regarding the inspection and verification of the LTOFP and FR initially holders of Type 5 license pursuant to the authority of the PNP chief in consonance to the provisions of RA 10591.
She explained that uniformed officers from Regional Civil Security Units of the PNP-CSG will be going to the registered addresses of the Type 5 licensees which, as of latest count, is around 2,000 individuals mostly from Metro Manila.
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