PNP makes permit renewal easier for gun owners

MANILA, Philippines — The renewal of firearm licenses will soon be convenient for gun owners as the Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to launch innovations for gun owners in the next two months.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil instructed the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) to put up offices in the Visayas and Mindanao where gun owners can renew their permits to carry.

Marbil is leaving it up to the FEO to determine the specific areas where the offices will be established.

“I told them I’ll give you two months to carry out my orders,” Marbil told reporters on the sidelines of his visit at the Tactical, Survival and Arms Expo in Mandaluyong City.

Marbil said they have also sought the services of accredited neuropsychiatric and drug test centers so that gun owners will no longer have to go to Camp Crame to undergo the tests for the renewal of their licenses to own and possess firearms.

“There are so many requirements for the renewal,” Marbil said, adding that what the PNP is doing is just to simplify the process.

He said the measure would benefit gun owners who have threats to their security as they can renew their licenses faster.

Marbil said the measure is not in response to reports about the presence of alleged clandestine military forces from China, stressing it is more regulating the acquisition of firearms by civilians.

“Kung yung tao gusto magdala ng baril basta as long you are responsible then you can own firearms,” he said.

Marbil earlier ordered an intensified police presence on the streets across the country.

The PNP, however, stressed it has nothing to do with the alleged presence of Chinese troops.