QuestionsQuestions (PNP PNP MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2011-005)
The main objective is to provide clarification on certain provisions of PNP MC 2010-008 regarding rationalized policies on the possession, bearing, and carrying of firearms outside of residence to enhance firearms regulation while ensuring government security forces' capabilities.
The Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) has the sole authority to register all firearms in the Philippines.
They must secure authority from the Chief, PNP, submit a validated neuro-psychiatric evaluation report, drug test result, complete background investigation, certificate of attendance to a gun safety seminar, and file applications for licenses of their procured firearms, excluding certain crew-served weapons.
Crew-served weapons (CSWs), light anti-tank weapons (LAWs), light machine guns (LMGs), anti-tank and anti-personnel recoilless rifles, bazookas, and the like are excluded.
As a general rule, carrying firearms outside of residence is prohibited unless the person has a valid Permit To Carry Firearm Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) or equivalent mission or letter order if applicable.
Only one short firearm covered with a PTCFOR can be carried by a person outside their residence at any one time; long firearms have separate restrictions.
Members of the PNP, AFP, and other law enforcement agencies may carry government-issued firearms during official duties with valid MR/ARE and MO/LO; when traveling to and from official stations with proper authorization; and when wearing civilian attire, they must have a special PTCFOR-LEA.
Carrying firearms without a valid PTCFOR results in license cancellation. Bringing firearms to prohibited places also leads to cancellation, and habitual violations may cause disqualification to possess or carry firearms.
The PNP promotes establishment of gun-free zones in critical areas (schools, places of worship, commercial zones). Only uniformed law enforcement are allowed to carry firearms there, and regular PTCFOR is not recognized in these zones.
They are duty-bound to present their valid firearms license and corresponding PTCFOR when openly bearing or carrying firearms outside residence if requested by law enforcement.
No, the PTCFOR is non-transferrable and strictly issued to the licensee.
Licensed firearms must be test-fired for ballistics and stenciled every four years. A certification from the Crime Laboratory must be included in applications for renewal of firearm license or PTCFOR.
Neuro-psychiatric tests must be conducted or validated by PNP Health Service or accredited evaluators, drug tests by PNP Crime Laboratory, and certifications validated by PNP Health Service and Firearms Explosives Office.
The President and Vice President, Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, judges of lower courts, Cabinet Secretaries, Senators and Representatives, and members of PNP, AFP, NBI, PCG, PDEA, and other LEAs are exempted from showing proof of threat when applying for PTCFOR.