PNP ordered to stop centralized firearms application scheme
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines—The Supreme Court on Tuesday stopped the Philippine National Police (PNP) from implementing several provisions of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
In its ruling, the high court stopped the PNP from centralizing all firearms applications and renewals in the police headquarters in Camp Crame, utilizing any courier for deliveries of approved firearms license cards and allowing the police, under the guise of inspection, to enter the dwelling of firearms applicants and owners without a court-issued search warrant.
High Court’s Information Chief Theodore Te said the restraining order will stay until further orders of the Court.
The high court also ordered the PNP to comment on the petition filed by the group Peaceful Responsible Owners of Guns (Progun).
The group, in their petition, wants part of the law declared as illegal.
RA 10591—or “An Act Providing for Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof,” which was signed in May last year—allows individuals to own only up to 15 guns, and “serious collectors” to possess 15 or more firearms.
Among the provisions being contested by Progun is the one that gives a “waiver and consent” on warrantless searches, in supposed violation of Article 2, Section 2 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution that protects a person’s right against unreasonable and illegal searches and seizures.
They also urged the high court to strike the provision of the law that allows the PNP to use a courier service for deliveries of approved firearms license cards.
Other than the prescribed 15 guns per person, the new law allows certain individuals, such as lawyers, to carry guns outside of the home due to the perceived threats on their lives.
The new law also requires that both gun owner and the firearm should be licensed under the PNP.
Similarly, under the new law, gun owners need to renew their licenses every two years, instead of three years.
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