PNP stops gun license renewal

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday reminded the public that the agency has already stopped the processing of gun lincense renewal as a new law on firearms and ammunition was already in effect.

 

In a press briefing, PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO) director Chief Supt. Virgilio Moro Lazo said that under Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, the renewal of a gun license was no longer allowed.

Under the law, gun owners as well as buyers, are required to secure from the PNP-FEO a License to Own and Possess Firearms or LTOPF, which will be the requisite to register firearms.

 

“Wala na pong renewal (of gun license). With the new law, RA10591, li-lisensyahan yung tao. We call it license to own and posses firearm and after the person is licensed to possess firearms. He or she can now register his/her firearm," Lazo said.

"So, if you are a holder of a firearm in the old system, since this is the first time na mai—apply yung law, first time na mare-register yung inyong firearm under the new law,” he added.

 

Lazo said that people who are planning to purchase a gun must also first secure the LTOPF.

 

“Sa new law, you have to secure LTOPF, bago bumili ng baril, but I undertstand that firearm dealers are assisting itong mga perspective customers nila,” Lazo said.

 

Lazo said the processing of gun lincense renewal had been stopped since June 30, while the PNP-FEO opened its office for securing LTOPF since January.

 

“Linawin lang natin, ang li-lisensyahan yun tao, ang ire-register yung baril. So, ang isang tao na may hawak na baril, dapat two license ang hawak, yung LTOPF at yung firearm registration,” Lazo reiterated.

 

Lazo warned that those who will be found without LTOPF and with unregistered guns may be charged with illegal possession of firearms and slapped with other penalties.

 

“Mas stiffer ang penalty ngayon sa bawat offense mas mataas ang possible sanctions na ibibigay sayo.... Honestly, ayaw na namin ng warning. If they have firearms, we are encouraging them to follow the new law. Otherwise, pwede ka makasuhan ng illegal possession of firearms,” Lazo said.

 

Lazo said that under the new law, the LTOPF will have to be renewed every two years while the firearm should be registered every four years.

 

Among the requirements that Lazo cited in securing the LTOPF were neuro-psychiatric clearance, police clearance, NBI clearance, NSO birth certificate, finger printing, application form, drug test result, municipal and regional trial court clearance certifying that the applicant has not been convicted of any crime, photos to be taken at the PNP-FEO office and ballistics examination result. —Elizabeth Marcelo/NB, GMA News