QuestionsQuestions (PROCLAMATION NO. 17)
To direct all persons holding or possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunitions to surrender them to designated military/police authorities, since the conditions justifying possession for resistance had ceased after Japan’s surrender and normal governance and peace and order needed enforcement of gun laws.
They must surrender the firearms/ammunitions to the Military Commander of the province or to the Chief of Police of the municipality where they reside, within the period specified by the proclamation’s implementation.
The Provost Marshal General of the Philippine Army.
Within thirty (30) days from the date of the proclamation by the respective Provincial Governor of this Proclamation.
To the Military Commander of the province, or the Chief of Police of the municipality, in which the holder or possessor resides.
It states that the Government purposely refrained from enforcing the firearms/ammunitions law to allow inhabitants to protect themselves, their families, and communities from Japanese stragglers while supporting the resistance movement.
The surrender of Japan ended hostilities in the Philippines, and the conditions justifying possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunitions ceased to exist.
It states that normal conditions and the constitutional functions of Government must be restored and peace and order maintained, requiring full observation and enforcement of the existing firearms and ammunitions law.
It is measured from the date the respective Provincial Governor proclaims Proclamation No. 17 in the province (i.e., thirty days from that local proclamation date).
Whether the person is holding or possessing firearms/ammunitions without a permit or license previously issued by the Provost Marshal General of the Philippine Army.
That enforcement was intentionally deferred (purposely refrained) to support self-protection and resistance, despite existing law on possession.
Surrender is directed to the Military Commander of the province or the Chief of Police of the municipality, depending on the local authority structure where the possessor resides.
The President acts “by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the Philippines,” and it aims to restore constitutional functions and enforce firearms law.
It indicates the surrender timetable is triggered locally—each province’s governor must proclaim it, and only then does the 30-day clock start for residents there.
Failing to surrender unlicensed firearms/ammunitions within thirty days from the local (provincial) proclamation date, or refusing to surrender to the proper military/police authority specified.