Many gun owners lined up in Dagupan City to join the License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) caravan organized by the Philippine National Police.

Even though the PNP has satellite offices across the region, applicants said they still could not take the required neuro-psychiatric and drug tests there. This is why the Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU) continues to visit different areas to bring the LTOPF caravan closer to the public.

“Nailalapit natin yung serbisyo ng gobyerno sa mga kababayan sa Pangasinan, lalong-lalo na mga gun enthusiast,” PMaj. Semion Canuma, Chief of the Firearms and Explosives Section of RCSU-1, said.

At the caravan, applicants could complete the neuro exam, drug test, and other requirements in one venue.

Psychometrician PCpl. Charlie Lamarca explained that these tests are necessary to assess if a person is fit mentally to own a gun.

“Para ma-assess ng psychologist kung sila ay capable,” he said.

Menrado Eleccion, a 49-year-old seaman from Alaminos, traveled to Dagupan to process his documents. It was his first time applying for a gun license.

“For protection para sa atin at sa pamilya natin. Kahit walang kalaban, hindi natin masabi mga masasamang elemento,” he said.

Aside from passing the tests, gun owners are also required to attend a gun safety seminar.

“How to handle gun properly. Saka kung paano talaga gumamit ng baril,” Ian Anthony Binlot, a safety range officer, said.

RCSU-1 said many firearms in Region 1 remain unregistered. They are urging gun owners to register to avoid facing penalties under the PNP’s ‘Revitalized Katok’ operations, which aim to seize illegal firearms.