Rules for gun owners signed

MANILA, Philippines—Erring gun owners and those who hold unlicensed firearms, beware.

The Philippine National Police on Monday signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of a new law that would impose stiffer penalties for the illegal possession of firearms.

PNP Director General Alan Purisima approved the IRR of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition and Providing Penalties for Violations, six months after President Aquino signed the new law on gun ownership.

“This is not just to standardize the regulation of firearms, but (it) will also help us intensify our campaign (to curb) gun-related crimes and establish effective firearms control,” Purisima said.

Under the new law, individuals found guilty of having unlicensed guns could face at least 30 years’ imprisonment.

RA 10591 states gun holders must be Filipino citizens not convicted of a crime, at least 21 years old, and are taxpayers.

According to the law, gun owners, including juridical entities, are allowed to buy and keep only small firearms. Only members and officers of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law-enforcement agencies may acquire and possess high-powered weapons.—Marlon Ramos

RELATED STORY:

PNP inks implementing rules on ‘Marcosian’ gun law