PNP brings services closer to gun license applicants

MANILA, Philippines–Gun owners wishing to obtain the new license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) may now get it without having to go to Camp Crame in Quezon City.

The Philippine National Police has launched a caravan to make it easier for gun owners to apply for the new type of firearm license.

The Civil Security Group’s Firearms and Explosives Office (CSG-FEO) is sending out the LTOPF Caravan to go around the country until Nov. 16 and bring the application process closer to gun holders.

“Since Aug. 26, our personnel have been going to different places to receive applications for gun licenses to encourage holders of illegal firearms and delinquent gun owners to have their guns registered,” said Director Melito Mabilin, CSG chief.

The caravan’s schedule is as follows: Sept. 9-11 at the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, Visayas Group, Clark Airbase, Pampanga; Sept. 16-18, PNP Regional Headquarters, Camp Catitipan, Davao City; Sept. 25-26, Quezon City Hall; Oct. 1-10 at the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, and Nov. 13-16 at the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines gun show.

Under the new gun control law, all firearm owners—even those with current gun licenses—are required to first obtain an LTOPF, which is similar to a driver’s license, before they can own a gun. Under the old system, a gun owner got licenses and permits to carry for each gun.

FEO records show there are 1.7 million registered firearms in the country, 621,000 of which will have their licenses expire in 2014.

Earlier, Mabilin said firearm licenses set to expire this year will still be valid next year.

This is to allow the FEO to upgrade its information technology system to accommodate the LTOPF, as mandated by Republic Act No. 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Law of 2013.

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TAGS: Caravan, gun license, gun owners, Philippines