Cops, soldiers exempted from drug, mental test rules to get gun licenses 

CHANGE OF COMMAND / Policemen participating in a turnover ceremony at Camp Crame in Quezon City on April 24, 2023. (INQUIRER file photo / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA)

MANILA, Philippines — The police and military personnel are now exempted from getting drug tests and psychiatric examinations when getting a license to own firearms, a Philippine National Police (PNP) official said on Thursday.

This move was ordered by PNP chief Rommel Marbil, according to PNP civil security group spokesperson Lt. Col. Eudisan Gultiano.

“Yes, there is a memorandum released, signed by our chief PNP,” Gultiano said in a press conference when asked to confirm if the police and military are exempted from such tests when getting a license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF).

“For the part of PNP, we have regular neuro examination and drug tests. In fact, there are still random drug tests in PNP, so it will suffice,” she explained.

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However, Gultiano clarified that civilians are still required to get drug tests and psychiatric exams for their LTOPF.