"No firearms clearance, no PNP clearance policy", Garbo seeks Crame's approval

CEBU, Philippines - Police Regional Office-7 chief Marcelo Garbo, Jr. is seeking the approval of the chief of the Philippine National Police to implement a “No Firearms Clearance, No PNP Clearance Policy” in Central Visayas.

Garbo hopes to pioneer the program in the region to encourage firearm owners to renew their license.

Garbo has already draft his official letter request to PNP chief Nicanor Bartolome.

The request was based on the result of the study conducted by Supt. Rex Derilo, chief of the Firearms and Explosive Division (FED)-7. Derilo noted that the number of unrenewed firearm license in Central Visayas is increasing.

In his letter, Garbo explained that in April 2011, there were only 7,870 unrenewed guns recorded. A year later, however, the numbers shoot up to 27,819 or an increase of over 200 percent.

“No private person is bound to keep arms. Whether he does or not is entirely optional with himself, but if, for his own convenience or pleasure, he desires to possess arms, he must do such upon such terms as the Government sees fit to impose, for the right to keep and bear arms is not secured to him by law,” Garbo’s letter reads.

Based on the new policy, PRO-7 will provide Police Stations, as well as the Highway Patrol Group, a quarterly update list of the firearms holders with expired licenses.

He said individuals whose names are included in the list will be asked to seek clearance from the FED-7.            

FED-7 will be asking the gun holder to renew his/her firearms license before a clearance can be issued.

PRO-7 can also deny endorsement for the purchase of guns and the renewal of License to Operate Private Security Agencies.       

“The right of individuals to bear arms is not absolute, but is subject to regulation. The maintenance of peace and order and the protection of the people against violence are constitutional duties of the State.”

“The right to bear arms is to be construed in connection and in harmony with these constitutional duties,” the letter reads further.

Garbo hopes to implement the policy as soon as possible and will be included as one of the best practices of the PNP. –(FREEMAN)