Gun owners told: Be responsible

CEBU, Philippines — Gun owners are warned that having a License To Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) is not a free pass to abuse and commit crimes.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde also said that having an LTOPF is not a guarantee that one is immune from being sued for illegal possession of firearm.

“It doesn’t give you an assurance if you own a licensed firearm na pwede mo nang gamitin sa di maganda. Your license can always be revoked,” Albayalde said in a press conference.

Albayalde said that a licensed gun owner who “irresponsibly” brandish or discharge firearm would have his or her LTOPF cancelled by authorities. Once it happened, the gun will be confiscated and charges will be filed.

“First penalty if there is abuse we cancel immediately the LTOPF, that is one part, the second part we cancel immediately the license, and confiscation of firearms, meron pang kaso and jail time,” Albayalde said.

Albayalde made emphasis on being a responsible gun owner as he agreed to arming civilians. But, the PNP official said firearms should be carried with utmost responsibility. He said guns should be used only to defend oneself from attacks and other forms of lawlessness.

Albayalde was in Cebu over the weekend as guest of honor in the four-day gun show called Tactical, Survival & Arms (TACS) Expo by ARMSCOR Global Defense at the SM City Trade Hall. The gun show was also aimed to inform and expedite the issuance of LTOPF. It has a theme: “Defense, Security and Survival for Sustainable Living.”

Part of the gun show was also to help the public acquire not only the needed equipment but the knowledge and skills to handle various emergency situations such as fire and earthquake. —/FPL (FREEMAN)