Law Summary
Background and Implementation Context
- The permit system facilitates proper monitoring and supervision of firearms transport, necessary for public safety and to regulate firearms industry activities.
- Authority to issue PTTFA has been delegated to regional units, but cross-region transport requires coordination.
- The PNP’s Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) leads the implementation.
Purpose of the Memorandum Circular
- Establish rules and guidelines for application, processing, approval, and issuance of PTTFA.
- Covers Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), PNP, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), firearms manufacturers and dealers, private security agencies, company security units, private detective agencies, armored vehicle security providers, and individuals surrendering firearms.
Definitions of Key Terms
- Permit to Transport Firearm: Written authority to transport firearms or related items for specified places and times.
- Permit to Carry Firearm Outside Residence: Authorization to carry firearms outside one's home.
- Residence: Licenses address or place of abode.
- Point of Origin: Location from which firearms and related items start transportation.
- Point of Destination: Delivery location.
- Fixed Date: The specific valid period for transport; no extensions allowed.
Application Guidelines and Procedures
- Requirements submission distinguished by applicant category using color-coded folders.
- Processing time not to exceed three working days upon complete submission.
- For large applications (10+ firearms), soft copy submission required for verification.
- Claiming procedures require valid identification if represented.
- Failure to claim by given date necessitates new application.
- Applies to diverse groups: AFP/PNP/LEAs, manufacturers/dealers, private security/private detectives, individuals surrendering firearms, and persons arriving from abroad with firearms.
- PTTFA validity ranges from 72 hours minimum to 15 days maximum; strict adherence to pre-determined routes and dates mandatory with no changes allowed.
Conditions, Restrictions, and Safety Protocols
- Firearms and ammunition must be securely packed, labeled with licensee details.
- Transport in separate secure cases with storage in different parts of the vehicle.
- For 10 or more firearms or any light weapons, mandatory security escort by licensed guards with Special Duty Detail Order (SDDO).
- Ammunition transport for shooting competitions escorted by designated PNP personnel.
- PTTFA invalid for certain ammunition calibers unless used by authorized government units.
- Non-transferable, valid for one-way trip only.
- Juridical entities must secure PTTFA for various operational reasons (posting, rotation, repairs).
Roles and Responsibilities of Units
- Tactical and operational roles identified for Traffic Discipline Command (TDC), Regional Offices (ROs), Regional Civil Security Units (RCSUs), Regional Finance Service Offices (RFSO), and Regional Surrendered Firearms Accounting Offices (RSAO).
- These offices oversee issuance, approval, monitoring, payment processing, receiving, and recording of firearms transport activities.
Specific Requirements for Each Applicant Category
- AFP/PNP/LEAs: Letter request with route and dates, LTOPF, Firearms Registration/License, payment receipt.
- Manufacturers/Dealers: Letter request, licenses, board resolution for representative, valid ID, payment.
- Private Security and related agencies: Letter request, license/operating accreditation, long regular registration, board resolution, valid ID, certificate of juridical LTOPF, payment.
- Individuals surrendering firearms: Letter request, LTOPF, Firearms Registration/License, payment.
- Foreign sports shooters and diplomats: Additional requirements include passport copies, foreign firearm licenses, official endorsements, and invitations.
Approval Process
- Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU) handles intra-region PTTFA issuance.
- Applications involving transport between regions endorsed by RCSU and approved by Regional Director of origin region.
- Specialized handling for National Capital Region and international imports.
- Coordination with host associations and intelligence units for firearms carried by sports shooters and diplomats.
Penalties for Violation
- Violations may lead to criminal prosecution, administrative sanctions, and revocation or suspension of licenses or accreditations.
- Due process must be observed in imposing sanctions.
Effectivity
- The memorandum circular becomes effective 15 days after filing a copy at the UP Law Center as per administrative code provisions.