PNP reviewing rules on new gun law

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police is reviewing the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms Law, to address the concerns of responsible gun owners.

Sr. Supt. Elmo Francis Sarona, chief of the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO), said the IRR is being revised to streamline the process of license procurement.

Sarona said a technical working group is conducting consultations with different firearms and gun advocacy groups.

In 2014, the PNP received complaints from gun owners and firearms associations regarding the IRR, wherein all firearms application and renewal operations were centralized at police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Many gun holders complained of the excessive requirements to acquire a license to own and possess firearms (LOTPF), a document also needed for renewal.

Some gun holders fail to produce all the requirements, which take days to secure.

The LTOPF requires gun holders to produce a written application to own and possess firearms plus several other documents including clearances issued by the regional trial court, municipal and metropolitan trial court; neuro-psychiatric clearance; drug test; gun safety certificate; police clearance, National Statistics Office birth certificate or passport, proof of latest billing, plus at least two government issued IDs.

Gun holders are also required to present income tax return (ITR), certificate of employment, business permit or any appropriate document as proof of income to prove capability to own and maintain a gun.

Under the new rates, Type 1 license holder would pay P1,000 and are allowed to own and possess a maximum of two registered firearms; while a Type 2 license costs P2,000 and covers a maximum of five registered firearms.

The FEO said a Type 3 license holder would pay P3,000 and is allowed to own and possess a maximum of 10 registered firearms, while a Type 4 license holder would pay P5,000 and is allowed a maximum of 15 guns.

A Type 5 license, for a certified gun collector with at least 15 firearms, costs P10,000.