Civilians may soon buy semi-automatic rifles

Philippine National Police

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police said on Monday that civilians would soon be allowed to own semi-automatic rifles after minor amendments were made in the implementing rules and regulations of the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (Republic Act No. 10591).

The PNP earlier created a technical working group to make the minor amendments, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing.

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“Any civilian can now own a 7.62mm rifle, the likes of M14 below, as long as the gun is not automatic,” she said.

“Previously, only limited civilians were allowed to own such rifles,” Fajardo told reporters.

The amendments have been submitted to the University of the Philippines Law Center for publication and will take effect after 15 days.

—FRANCES MANGOSING