QuestionsQuestions (PNP MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2010-008)
A firearms license and a PTCFOR are “mere privileges” granted by the Government; no private person has an inherent right to keep and bear arms. Thus, the Government may impose conditions, and the holder must comply—failure to do so can lead to revocation/cancellation.
Filipino citizens applying to possess firearms must ensure the firearm is not classified as crew-served weapons (CSWs), light anti-tank weapons (LAWs), light machine guns (LMGs), anti-tank and anti personnel recoilless rifles, bazookas, and similar weapons.
The circular reaffirms submission of a validated neuro-psychiatric evaluation report, drug test result, and certificate of attendance to a gun safety seminar. The neuro-psychiatric test must be conducted by PNP Health Service NP personnel and PNP accredited NP testing centers/evaluators; drug test by the PNP Crime Laboratory (CL); and seminar by PNP or registered/accredited gun clubs. Validation is also done by PNP Health Service (HS) and Firearms Explosive Office (FEO).
Firearms licenses shall be test-fired for ballistics and their make, caliber, and serial number stenciled by CL every four (4) years. Renewal applications (or PTCFOR-related renewal requirements) must include a CL certification that the firearm was test-fired and stenciled within the last four (4) years.
As a general rule, lawful holders of firearms are prohibited from carrying their firearms outside of residence unless they have the required PTCFOR for that firearm and comply with conditions.
The person may apply for one (1) PTCFOR for each licensed privately-owned firearm he has, except long firearms.
Only one (1) short firearm covered with PTCFOR can be carried at any one time by a person outside his residence.
They must carry while in agency-prescribed uniform; with corresponding MO/LO issued by duly constituted authorities; with corresponding computerized firearms license card; and while in the actual performance of official duties and functions.
They must apply for a regular PTCFOR covering the firearm.
Their entitlement to possess and carry firearms within their territorial jurisdictions, as guaranteed by the Local Government Code of 1991, shall be respected.
The circular prohibits bringing firearms covered with PTCFOR into places of worship, public drinking and amusement places, and other commercial or public establishments mentioned under the circular’s restrictions. Bringing the firearm to prohibited places results in cancellation of the license (and the PTCFOR becomes automatically invalid).
(a) For LEAs: when in agency-prescribed uniform, firearms must be in a holster securely attached to the belt (except certain exceptions like military pilots in flying uniforms and armored vehicle crew with shoulder holsters). If uniform does not include holster, or when authorized to carry outside residence in civilian attire, the firearm must be concealed unless actually used for a legitimate purpose; displaying or tucking at the waist/inserting into waistband is prohibited. Only firearms described in MR/ARE, MO/LO, or PTCFOR-LEA may be carried. (b) For all other persons: firearm must be concealed in a hand luggage (clutch bag, belt bag, gun case, or similar kits); no displaying/tucking/inserting into waistband/holster; firearm must be secured inside a vehicle or motorcycle compartment.
The holder must show the firearm license and the corresponding PTCFOR before the law enforcer.
The PNP advocates establishment of gun-free zones (e.g., school zones, places of worship, commercial/business districts, tourist spots) through local peace and order councils and local ordinances. The C, PNP issues a strictly no firearms rule in declared gun-free zones. Only PNP/AFP/other LEAs performing official duties and functions in agency-prescribed uniform may bear firearms subject to conditions; regular PTCFOR will not be recognized and has no effect within these zones.
Carrying firearms outside residence without PTCFOR is absolutely prohibited; once apprehended, it results in cancellation of the license. Bringing firearms covered with PTCFOR to prohibited places also results in cancellation of the license, and the cancelled firearms license automatically invalidates the corresponding PTCFOR. The apprehending report is the basis for FEO to initiate cancellation.