Escudero hits PNP’s burdensome rule in gun selling, transferring ownership

UNLICENSED GUNS Assault and sniper’s rifles were among the unlicensed guns surrendered by residents of Pandag, Maguindanao del Sur. (File photo from Philippine Army’s 1st Mechanized Battalion)

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday said the Philippine National Police (PNP) should amend its rules in requiring licenses to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) for persons who want to sell their guns and transfer the ownership of these weapons.

Escudero made the appeal to the PNP during an exhibit of local and imported firearms at the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers at a convention center in Pasay City.

According to Escudero, it is cumbersome to require the LTOPF, especially those licenses from a deceased gun owner and those who lost interest in owning a firearm.

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“Patungkol sa mga licensed gun owners na namatay o pumanaw na, hanggang nire-require ninyo na may LTOPF na valid ‘yung magbebenta o magta-transfer ng baril, wala na po kayong mahuhukay na valid na LTOPF sa isang namatay o pumanaw na,” Escudero said in his speech.

(Pertaining to licensed gun owners who died or passed away, as long as you require those who sell or transfer firearms have a valid LTOPF, you will not be able to dig up a valid LTOPF for someone who has died or passed away.)

“Pangalawa, doon sa tumanda na at nawalan na ng hilig sa baril, bago nya ma-transfer o mabenta ang baril nya, kailangan nyang dumaan ulit sa proseso at kumuha ng LTOPF. Eh ayaw na nga nya eh,” he explained.

(Second, for those who are old and already lost their interest in guns, before they can transfer or sell their guns, they still need to undergo a process once again and get LTOPF. But, precisely, he doesn’t want this anymore.)

Escudero said the PNP should consider “the realities on the ground” when it comes to the policy on LTOPF.

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“Gusto mo na ngang magkaroon ng legal na lisensya, gusto mo na ngang legal na maipasa yung iyong lisensya at baril, eh papahirapan ka pa,” Escudero aired his frustration.

(You already want to have a legal license, and you already want to submit your licenses legally, but you are still being made to suffer.)

“Sa totoo lang, kung ako ang tatanungin ninyo, lahat ng gustong magpalisensya ng baril, padaliin natin ang proseso ng pagpapalisensya. Dahil kung may gagawin kang kasamaan o may masama kang balak, hindi ka na magpapalisensya,” the Senate leader told PNP.

(To be honest, if you were to ask me, everyone who wants to get a gun license — let’s make the licensing process easier — because if you would do something bad or you have a bad plan, you won’t get a license anymore.)

“Kukuha ka na lang sa kanto, sa gilid, ng baril para magamit at itatapon pagkatapos,” he said.

(You would just get a gun somewhere in the alley, in a corner, use it and throw it away afterwards.)