CV gun licensing back at PRO-7

CEBU, Philippines -  Central Visayas gun owners may start registering their guns and acquiring licenses at the Police Regional Office-7 headquarters after a temporary restraining order against the centralization of gun licensing was issued last month.

Senior Superintendent Erson Digal, PRO-7 regional operations and planning division chief, said the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order to halt the centralization of the gun licensing.

“There’s memo coming from the Civil Security Group to the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) regarding the activation of the access code of the firearms information management system,” he said.

“FEO will reactivate the access code of the FIMS for the renewal of the firearm licenses through our regional FESSAGS,” Digal said, referring to the Firearms Explosives Security Service Agency and Guards Supervisory Section (FESSAGS).

PNP Chief Alan Purisima on April ordered that all regional offices give way to the centralized licensing of firearms.

But after the issuance of the TRO, all satellite offices are expected to already open their doors to applicants.

The TRO orders the PNP to “continue to accept, process, and approve licensing and renewals thereof in all PNP regional offices.”

Digal said gun owners may now register at the FESSAGS-7 office located inside the PRO-7 headquarters along Osmeña Boulevard.

After Republic Act 10591 took effect as a law, several gun clubs and gun enthusiasts voiced their concern because the law requires them to appear in person at the PNP national headquarters in Camp Crame, which they said was a burden to responsible gun owners.  (FREEMAN)