PNP bows to SC decision on firearms law

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine National Police vowed on Tuesday ‎that it will abide by the recent decision of the Supreme Court on the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation act.

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.

Chief Superintendent Louie Oppus, PNP Firearms and Explosives Office chief, assured that they will comply with the orders of the Supreme Court.

‎But Oppus said they have yet to see the “actual content” of the SC ruling before giving their response and comments on ‎the matter.

In its ruling, the SC ordered the PNP to comment on the petition, which challenges the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the firearms law giving policemen inspection rights.

He also noted that the PNP FEO is yet to relay its comment to the SC particularly on the firearms law allowing policemen to enter gun users’ residences for inspection even without the search warrant.

Last March 21, gun owners asked the SC to stop the PNP from enforcing the centralization of all gun applications and renewals at Camp Crame under the firearms and ammunition laws.

Two separate petitions were filed by ProGun (Peaceful Responsible Owners of Guns) Inc., and two gun owners Eric Acosta and Nathaniel de la Paz, representing Go Act (Gun Owners in Action) on March 21 and March 25, respectively.

 
The petitioners also sought a Temporary Restraining Order on the provision of the firearms law allowing policemen to enter a gun applicant’s resident for inspection and to disqualify an individual with a pending criminal case from getting a firearms license.

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