Press Release - Imee: PNP shooting itself in the foot

Senator Imee Marcos feared a rise in criminality, terrorism, arms smuggling, and widespread violence in the 2025 elections after the Philippine National Police (PNP) eased civilian ownership of high-powered firearms.

Little known to the public, the PNP recently changed implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, allowing the issuance of civilian licenses for M-14 rifles and other semi-automatic weapons with a caliber of 7.62mm and below.

"The PNP is shooting itself in the foot and compromising law enforcement efficiency and, above all, public safety," Marcos pointed out.

"Do we want a proliferation of shooting violence like in the U.S.? Who is lobbying for firearms manufacture and imports?" she asked.

The senator added that the PNP's recent changes to the IRR of the firearms and ammunition law will complicate the government's task of decommissioning rebel firearms.

The "glacial pace" of accomplishing the task led Marcos to call for an ongoing investigation through Senate Resolution 321 filed in November last year.

"When killings occur, penalties for firearm misuse will offer nothing but cold comfort to the families of victims - policemen, soldiers, and civilians included," the senator said.

IMEE: PNP, IBINIBITAY ANG SARILI
Pinayagang magmay-ari ng mataas na kalibre ng armas ang mga sibilyan

Nangangamba si Senador Imee Marcos sa posibilidad ng pagtaas ng kriminalidad, terorismo, smuggling ng mga armas, at malawakang karahasan sa halalan sa 2025 matapos pahintulutan ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ang mga sibilyan na magmay-ari ng mga armas na mataas ang kalibre.

Ayon kay Marcos, hindi alam ng karamihan sa publiko, kamakailan lamang ay binago ng PNP ang mga implementing rules and regulations (IRR) ng Republic Act 10591, o ang Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, na nagpapahintulot na maibigay ang mga lisensya sa mga sibilyan para sa mga M-14 rifles at iba pang semi-automatic na mga armas na may kalibre ng 7.62mm at mas mababa.

"Ipinapahamak mismo ng PNP ang sarili nitong organisasyon. Makokompromiso ang kahusayan ng mga law enforcers at - higit sa lahat - ang kaligtasan ng