PNP sets stricter rules for owning rifles

MANILA, Philippines — To address concerns from certain sectors of the potential misuse by civilians of semi-automatic rifles categorized as small arms, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has tightened regulations on the acquisition of the weapons.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has put stricter regulations and control measures to ensure that only qualified civilians can own and register 7.62mm semi-automatic rifles.

Marbil, in a memorandum dated May 7 addressed to the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO), said that licensed gun owners are allowed to register only one rifle each with a caliber not exceeding 7.62mm.

Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP chief information officer, said gun owners who acquired rifles prior to the implementation of the new guidelines are still allowed to register their firearms.

“But they can no longer sell or add to their firearms,” she said in an interview.

Civilians who want to acquire two or more rifles must submit a letter of intent to the PNP chief, through the chief of the FEO, justifying the reasons for having more semi-automatic firearms.

“The licensee shall be subjected to a comprehensive background check, taking into consideration his/her income, occupation, profession, geographical location or residence, as well as the firearm being acquired,” Marbil said.

Marbil said the FEO shall scrutinize all relevant documents submitted by the licensee.

Civilian gun owners are prohibited from acquiring sniper rifles or similar firearms. Also prohibited for sale are armor-piercing bullets and other ammunition intended for law enforcement and military, Marbil added.

He said all locally manufactured and imported rifles must undergo evaluation by the FEO classification board to ensure compliance to PNP rules and regulations before being sold in the market.

Norman Cabrera, president of the Gunless Society of the Philippines, has expressed concern over allowing civilians to own rifles, warning that it could result in chaos.

“This might result to the law enforcement of the state to be overhand by the civilians,” he said in an interview aired over GMA News on Friday night, stressing that owning a firearm is merely a privilege.