Law Summary
Firearms Licensing Limitations for Private Individuals
- Each licensed individual is restricted to holding:
- One (1) low-powered rifle of caliber .22 or a shotgun not heavier than 12 gauge.
- One (1) pistol or revolver not exceeding caliber .38 (excluding caliber .357 magnum, caliber .22 centerfire magnum, and firearms classified as high-powered by the Chief of Constabulary).
Provisions for Active Military Personnel
- Officers and enlisted personnel in active service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines can hold:
- One (1) low-powered rifle caliber .22 or shotgun not heavier than 12 gauge.
- One (1) sidearm of any type or caliber without restriction.
Surrender and Disposal of Excess Firearms
- All licensed firearms exceeding the allowed limits (type, caliber, or number) must be surrendered.
- Such firearms shall be deposited with either the Firearms and Explosives Units at the Philippine Constabulary Headquarters or the nearest Constabulary Provincial Headquarters.
Gun Clubs and Firearms Usage
- Registered gun club members may possess and carry their licensed firearms outside their residences.
- Permissible firearms are those authorized under the Order or those loaned by the Philippine Constabulary specifically for target shooting.
- Gun club activities and firearms use are subject to specific Rules and Regulations attached to the Order.
Prohibitions and Penalties
- Keeping, possessing, or carrying firearms not authorized by the Order constitutes a violation of previous General Orders.
- Such violations are punishable under Presidential Decree No. 9, dated October 2, 1972.
Authority and Implementation
- The Chief of Constabulary has the authority to prescribe additional regulations necessary for the effective enforcement of this Order.
Formalization
- The Order was formally issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos on January 17, 1973, in Manila, through Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor.