QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 857)
It is issued to implement the IRR of RA 10591 (Sections 7.10–7.14) and to establish policies, guidelines, and procedures on issuance of MOs/LOs, consistent with RA 10591’s State policy to maintain peace and order, protect people from violence, and regulate firearms to support law enforcement and stop illegal firearms proliferation.
It applies to law enforcement agencies, government guard units, and member-agencies of NALECC, including other future LEAs authorized by the PNP to issue licenses/handle firearms and explosives per Section 24(f) of RA 6975 as amended and Section 44 of RA 10591.
No. Substitution of the firearms previously assigned to a public officer or employee to another public officer or employee is not allowed.
The MO/LO duration has a maximum validity of one (1) month.
The head of the authorized LEA is responsible for timely submission of firearms status and monitoring reports quarterly, semi-annually, and annually to the Commander, PNP (Attn: C, FEO).
The scope shall only be within the jurisdiction of the issuing authority, and the MO/LO must only be issued by the authorized Head of Office as indicated in the circular.
When required by proper authorities, the MO/LO shall be shown on demand without resentment to avoid misunderstanding.
The circular defines the term “duty” (as written/adutya in the text) as a task or function requiring the use of a government firearm to accomplish it, including guarding, training, combat, police/intelligence/security operations, participation in parades/ceremonies, and similar activities.
For activities described as “duty,” the authority to carry applies not only at the specific place of duty but also from the camps, barracks, quarters, or assembly area to the place of duty and back.
It refers to a task that requires the personnel concerned to go out of his official station for its accomplishment.
They must place the government-issued firearm (or FIMS-registered personally owned firearm) in a holster securely attached to the belt, except military pilots in flying uniforms and armored vehicle crews who may carry in shoulder holsters.
They must ensure the firearm is concealed unless in actual use for a legitimate purpose.
Flagrantly displaying a firearm or tucking it at the waist while wearing agency prescribed/proper uniform, or in civilian attire, is prohibited.
Only firearms specifically described in the MO/LO shall be carried.
Those issued MOs/LOs shall not bring the firearms to public drinking places, cabarets, public dance halls, places of worship, other commercial/public establishments, public amusement places, or while attending civic/political/religious rallies and meetings, except while actually performing law enforcement duty or official mission.
Strictly prohibited in Metro Manila, chartered cities, provincial capitals, thickly populated areas, fiestas, or large gatherings, except when called for actual performance of law enforcement duty or official mission.