Gun dealers ask PNP for leniency on licenses

An association of firearms dealers yesterday called on the government to exercise some leniency on the renewal of expired licenses instead of implementing a gun amnesty for unlicensed firearms.

Neri Dionisio, president of the Association of Firearms and Ammunitions Dealers, said they are suggesting that the Philippine National Police implements an "administrative amnesty" for gun owners who have not renewed their licenses due to the numerous requirements.

"This (administrative amnesty) could be in the form of discounts on fees or waiving of penalties…If the government can waive all requirements in a gun amnesty program, why can’t they do the same for legitimate but prodigal gun owners," he said at the opening of the 2006 Defense and Sporting Arms Show at SM Megamall.

He added that the PNP might encounter problems in registering unlicensed or "loose" firearms, especially with the upcoming implementation of the total gun ban next month in connection with the coming 2007 elections.

"How can firearms and explosives personnel, already saddled with the administrative responsibilities of monitoring, issuing and renewing licenses of more than 800,000 licensed firearm owners cope with the additional task of implementing another gun amnesty program," Dionisio asked.

Dionisio said that the move to impose a gun amnesty, which is awaiting President Arroyo’s signature, might encourage gun smuggling. Gunrunners might take advantage of the situation and bring in more weapons, and then wait for the amnesty and have firearms legalized.

Chief Superintendent Augusto Angcanan, chief of the Civil Security Group, said the PNP wants to declare an amnesty so loose firearms could be accounted for.

"The PNP will implement the gun amnesty program, especially this election. We feel those reported firearms might fall into the wrong hands and we will have a problem," Angcanan said.

He said that the PNP understands the AFAD position, looking at it from a business point of view because the industry will be affected.

"Those who are contemplating on owning of a gun might just buy loose firearms and have it registered. It might really affect their business and we understand their position," he said.

The PNP earlier defended its move to re-impose a gun amnesty, claiming it is aimed at cutting down crime.

"Why pursue the (gun) amnesty program? Based on records 98 percent of incidents reported to the police are due mainly to loose firearms. Our aim is to bring this down," Chief Superintendent Arturo Cacdac, former director of the PNP Firearms and Explosives Division, said. Malacañang received the proposal early last month.

In a recent interview, Cacdac said that there are about 304,262 loose firearms of which 107,213 are categorized as loose nationwide, 7,283 registered firearms were lost and reported lost by their owners and 189,766 unregistered since 1990.

A few years ago, the PNP declared an amnesty, wherein loose firearms would be licensed under the name of its present owner.

The gun amnesty program was implemented thrice during the administration of President Corazon Aquino, thrice during Fidel V. Ramos’ term and twice during Mrs. Arroyo’s.