Question & AnswerQ&A (PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE)
The Revised IRR of RA No. 10591 shall be known and cited as the Revised IRR of RA No. 10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The State's policy is to maintain peace and order, protect people from violence, and recognize the right of qualified citizens to self-defense through firearms when reasonable to repel unlawful aggression. It also aims to regulate ownership, possession, manufacture, dealing, and importation of firearms and ammunition to support law enforcement and stop illegal firearms proliferation.
A firearm refers to any handheld or portable weapon that expels or is designed to expel a projectile by means of the expansive force of gases from burning gunpowder or other combustion. The barrel, frame, or receiver is considered part of a firearm.
The applicant must be a Filipino citizen, at least 21 years old, have gainful work or income, submit police and NBI clearances, a neuro-psychiatric clearance, drug test certificate, gun safety seminar certificate, proof of residence, government-issued ID, and licensee bond for types 3 to 5 licenses, among other specified documents.
Unlawful possession of small arms may be punished with prision mayor (medium). Possession of three or more small arms or Class-A light weapons carries reclusion temporal to reclusion perpetua. Unlawful possession of Class-A light weapons carries prision mayor (maximum), and Class-B light weapons carries reclusion perpetua.
A loose firearm is an unregistered firearm, one with obliterated or altered serial numbers, lost or stolen firearms, illegally manufactured firearms, registered firearms possessed by persons other than the licensee, or firearms with revoked licenses.
Grounds include commission or pendency of a crime involving firearms, conviction of crimes with penalties over 6 years, loss of the firearm through negligence, carrying firearms outside authorized areas without permits, submission of falsified documents, non-compliance with reporting requirements, and court or executive orders.
Possessors must secure an Antique Firearm Collector's License and register the firearm. Antique firearms are defined as those manufactured 75 years prior or certified as curios. Licenses are valid for 2 years. Antique firearms must be properly stored and are subject to inspection. Carrying firearms outside residence permits is not allowed for antiques. Transfers can only be made to licensed antique collectors.