By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(August 15, 2024) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it has simplified the process for securing gun licenses for police officers and soldiers.
Under a new memorandum issued by PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, uniformed personnel will no longer need to undergo drug tests and psychological and neuropsychiatric evaluations.
“Meron naman tayong ginagawang regular na neuro examination and drug test. In fact, merong mga random drug test sa PNP kaya parang it will suffice na nag-comply na kami sa requirements,” said Lt. Col. Eudisan Gultiano, the spokesperson of the PNP Civil Security Group.
Active members of the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines are now only required to present IDs to renew their gun licenses.
The decision came as the PNP faces a backlog, with nearly 12,000 police officers and over 14,000 soldiers having expired gun licenses.
A total of over 54,000 firearms of police officers and soldiers have expired registrations.
Gultiano explained that the easing of requirements is intended to encourage state forces to prioritize overall compliance and safety.
Police officers have been involved in indiscriminate discharge of firearms over the past few years, which led to killings and human rights abuses. Some have also brandished their guns, including unregistered ones, during public altercations.
Civilians must still comply with drug tests and psychiatric evaluations when renewing their gun licenses.
“Walang dapat ikabahala ang public kung bakit kami ay in-exempt. Kung hindi nakakapag-renew or hindi na-follow ang procedure or ‘yung laws, it’s a ground for administrative filing of case, puwede rin criminal case. Meron din revocation and cancellation ng (gun) licenses,” added Gultiano.
Based on PNP’s latest data, there are around 300,000 registered gun owners and about 1.94 million licensed firearms. There are around 720,000 unregistered firearms largely due to expired licenses.
(With reports from Bryan Castillo, News5)
(PM)
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