Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 1780)
Under Act No. 1780, the word 'firearm' means any rifle, musket, carbine, shotgun, revolver, pistol, air rifle (except air rifles of small caliber and limited range used as toys), or any other deadly weapon from which a bullet, ball, shot, shell, or other missile may be discharged by means of gunpowder or other explosive. The barrel of any such weapon is also considered a firearm.
Any person, firm, or corporation who desires to import, buy, otherwise acquire, dispose of, possess, or have custody of firearms or ammunition for the purpose of sale must obtain a license as prescribed by Act No. 1780.
Applicants must apply to the Governor-General providing details about the nature and volume of business and the types of firearms and ammunition to be dealt with. They must also execute a bond in the amount fixed by the Governor-General and pay the license fee. The bond must be approved by the Director of Constabulary before the license is issued.
Any dealer who sells or delivers firearms or ammunition to a purchaser without a license shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not exceeding two thousand pesos, or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both.
Every dealer must keep complete and accurate records of importations and sales, including the purchaser’s name, age, residence, occupation, license number and date, firearm number, and the type and amount of ammunition sold. These records must be available for inspection by the Director of Constabulary.
Such a person must apply for a license, make a cash deposit of one hundred pesos per firearm in the postal savings bank, or give a bond of two hundred pesos per firearm. An exception is made for members of duly formed gun clubs licensed at the time of enactment.
Applications from Manila residents are directed to the chief of police of Manila, while applications from provincial residents are directed to the provincial governor, and then to the senior inspector of Constabulary before reaching the Governor-General for approval.
Within ten days of changing domicile (from Manila to province, province to Manila, or between provinces), the licensee must notify the Director of Constabulary by registered mail or notify the appropriate provincial or Manila police authorities, who will forward the information accordingly.
It is unlawful to carry concealed deadly weapons such as bowie knives, dirks, daggers, kris, or other deadly weapons except for firearms carried by licensed persons. Violators may be fined up to five hundred pesos, imprisoned up to six months, or both.
If a license is revoked, the firearms in possession of the licensee must be turned over to the Bureau of Constabulary. In case of death or legal disability of the licensee, the nearest relative or person in possession must deliver the firearms and ammunition to the Constabulary. Violations for failure to do so may result in fines or imprisonment.