Legal basis and prior framework repealed
- The order rests on the President’s law-vested authority and refers to Section 887 of the Revised Administrative Code that requires persons desiring to possess firearms for personal protection or lawful purposes to apply for license(s).
- Section 1 repeals General Order Nos. 7, 7-A, 7-B, and 7-C insofar as they authorized certain individuals to possess and carry firearms, limited firearm numbers, and regulated gun club operations.
- Section 5 repeals or modifies inconsistent orders, issuances, rules, and regulations.
Policy and purpose statements
- The order declares that the rising threat to peace and order from criminality, insurgency, subversion, and the secessionist movement requires dedicated efforts of law enforcement agencies and private citizens.
- The order states that the PNP’s thrust focuses on combating criminality while government programs need citizen participation to prevent and suppress criminality and maintain public order and safety.
Changes to firearm possession rules
- Section 2 states that, henceforth, all citizens of the Philippines may possess firearms of any type and/or caliber.
- Firearms must not be classified as crew-served weapons (CSWs), light anti-tank weapons (LAWs), light machine guns (LMGs), anti-tank and anti-personnel recoilless rifles, bazookas, etc.
- Firearms must be test-fired for ballistics.
- Firearms must be stenciled and properly licensed.
Carrying firearms outside residence
- Section 3 limits the privilege of carrying licensed firearms outside residence to specific uniformed and law enforcement categories.
- Only uniformed personnel of the PNP, officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP, and agents of the NBI may carry their licensed firearms outside their residence while in the actual performance of their official mission or duty.
- Section 3 requires all other firearm license holders to apply for a Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFORs) to avail of this privilege.
Implementation and rulemaking by PNP
- Section 4 directs the Philippine National Police to issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement the order.
- The authorization to implement applies to operational rules governing how the order’s possession and carrying changes are enforced in practice.
Repeal, modification, and effectivity
- Section 5 repeals or modifies all inconsistent orders, issuances, rules, regulations, or parts thereof.
- Section 6 provides immediate effectivity upon issuance.