PNP chief threatens to slap delinquent gun owners with search warrants

MANILA, Philippines— Delinquent gun owners who fail to renew their licenses after due notices risk being searched and having their firearms seized, the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

Director General Nicanor Bartolome told reporters that a search warrant for the confiscation of firearms with expired permits would be issued to a gun owner who still does not renew his gun license after several notifications, including an official letter and house visitation.

“First, notices will be sent to those who have not renewed their licenses. And if nothing happens in the first notice, we will advise them again . . . pupuntahan ang mga bahay nila (they will be visited in their house) to remind them,” Bartolome said.

He said concerned PNP officials or authorized representatives from the Firearms and Explosives Division will personally pay a visit to the house of the gun owner to remind them to renew their license and also to ask why they weren’t able to renew at the proper time.

He said late renewal may be charged with the corresponding penalty fee.—Jamie Marie Elona