PNP: Safeguards in place for civilians’ semi-automatic rifle ownership

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday assured the public that safeguards are in place amid concerns raised by some groups as civilians will now be allowed to own semi-automatic firearms.

“Kung inaalala po natin ay maaaring maging subject for abuse po, hindi po,” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo told Dobol B TV in an interview.

(If there are concerns about possible abuse, there is no reason to worry.)

“May enough safeguards na iniligay po doon para hindi po basta-basta kung sinuman po ang makapag-avail po nitong privilege to possess and own small arms po,” she added.

(There are enough safeguards that have been put in place so that not just anyone will be able to avail of this privilege to possess and own small arms.)

Among the safeguards are the qualifications set to own these guns like Filipino citizenship, legal age, employment, and requirements such as income tax returns, police clearance, psychiatric and drug tests, as well as training.

Fajardo added that the amended policy will promote responsible ownership as firearms holders will be encouraged to register their high powered guns.

On Monday, Fajardo said the PNP made some minor amendments to the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

“Puwede na pong magmay-ari ang isang private citizen ng small arms na 7.62 mm pababa po provided na hindi po ito capable ng fully automatic burst of fire,” she said.

(A private citizen can now own small arms of 7.62 mm and below provided that it is not capable of fully automatic burst of fire.)

Gunless Society of the Philippines president Norman Cabrera earlier expressed reservations over the amendments. 

“Nakikita natin ang result ng ganung policy sa Amerika, doon sa mga shooting na nangyayari sa kanila. Kung yung ganung culture ay dadalhin natin dito sa Pilipinas, ganung problema rin ang haharapin natin,” he said.

(We see the result of such a policy in America through the shootings that are happening there. If we bring that culture here in the Philippines, we will face the same problem.)

The group suggested not just amending the IRR but the law itself. It wants to prohibit civilians from carrying their firearms outside their homes and limit their guns to only two. —VAL, GMA Integrated News