PNP working on amnesty for new gun law

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) is working on the final general amnesty for gun owners as part of enforcing Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act, an official said yesterday.

The PNP, through the Firearms and Explosives Office, is drawing up policies and plans for the gun amnesty, said FEO director Chief Superintendent Louie Tiroy Oppus.

 â€œDuring the interim period of six months, no person applying for license shall be charged for any delinquent payment accruing to the firearm subject for registration,” stated the implementing rules and regulations (IRR), signed by PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima last week.

Under the IRR, persons in possession of unregistered firearms and holders of expired or unrenewed licenses for their firearms shall register and renew them through a final general amnesty within six months from the promulgation of the IRR.

Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor, spokesman to the PNP chief, said responsible owners need not worry about the new law. “This is directed to criminals and other persons who commit illegal activities… There will be higher penalties for (violators of the new law on gun control),” he said.

The new comprehensive firearms and ammunition law recognizes the right of qualified citizens to self-defense through the use of firearms but authorities must regulate their ownership, possession, carrying, importation and manufacture as well as stop the proliferation of illegal firearms.