Title
Firearm Carrying Rules During Martial Law
Law
General Order No. 7-a
Decision Date
Sep 30, 1972
General Order No. 7-A allows certain officials in the Department of Justice to carry firearms outside of their residences, amending previous orders that prohibited possession and carrying of firearms without a license, with the Chief of the Constabulary responsible for its implementation.
A

Scope of Firearm License Prohibition

  • General Orders No. 6 and 7 prohibit all inhabitants from possessing firearms without legally issued licenses.
  • Carrying firearms outside the residence of licensed holders was also prohibited.
  • The orders did not initially exempt officials involved in law enforcement or criminal justice.

Exemptions for Department of Justice Officials

  • Specific exceptions were recognized for certain Department of Justice officials engaged in enforcement of law and order and criminal justice administration.
  • The exemptions were necessary to enable these officials to carry firearms outside their residences for effective performance of duties.

Authorization for National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Agents

  • NBI agents were explicitly authorized to carry firearms outside their residences.
  • This authorization applies only when agents are performing actual official missions or duties.

Firearm Carrying Permissions for Bureau of Prisons and Jail Guards

  • Guards of the Bureau of Prisons and of provincial and city jails may carry their licensed firearms only:
    • Within the premises of the prison or jail where they are on duty.
    • While escorting prisoners to provincial/city fiscal offices, military tribunals, or civil courts.
    • During the return from such escort duty.

Regulatory Authority of the Chief of the Constabulary

  • The Chief of the Constabulary is empowered to prescribe necessary regulations for the effective implementation of these firearm carrying orders.
  • This ensures administrative control and compliance with the provisions of this order.

Legal Authority and Effectivity

  • The order was issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos as Commander-in-Chief, relying on Proclamation No. 1081 and previous related General Orders.
  • It took effect on September 30, 1972, in Manila, formalizing the firearm carrying restrictions and exemptions during martial law.

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