Mandatory Firearm Testing and Stenciling Guidelines

Highlights a 25% annual increase in firearms tested and stenciled from 2005 to 2009.
New regulations mandate testing and stenciling every four years for all licensed firearms including those applying for PTCFOR/PTCFOR-LEA.
Acknowledges the shortage of PNP resources causing congestion in testing processes.
Allows firearms manufacturers with large output to provide off-site testing facilities to alleviate congestion.

Defines critical terms such as ammunition, approved site, ballistician, bullet recovery system, cartridge case, database, firearms dealer/importer/manufacturer, firearm testing, forensic firearms examiner, licensed firearm, stenciling, storage, test bullets, and test cartridge cases.

To create a reliable database of test bullets, cartridge cases, and firearm stencils for investigative support.
To increase the throughput of firearms testing and stenciling for licensing purposes.

Assigns PNP Crime Laboratory (PNP CL) as the primary office responsible for firearms testing, stenciling, and database maintenance.
Mandates encoding firearm data into the Firearms Information Management System (FIMS).
Requires firearms manufacturers/importers/dealers to coordinate testing requests with PNP CL and FEO-CSG.
Specifies approved venues for testing, including PNP CL, PNP Training Service Target Range, or approved manufacturer sites.
Off-crime testing is limited to manufacturers producing at least 500 firearms monthly.
Establishes fees for testing and stenciling: P350 per firearm, reduced to P250 if ammunition is supplied by the manufacturer/importer/dealer.

Firearms manufacturer must request testing in writing and provide ballistic tubes and test firing accommodations.
Submission of firearm details (serial number, type, make, caliber) to FEO-CSG for inspection and issuance of payment order.
Firearms testing and stenciling to be scheduled after payment to Land Bank.
Rotation of PNP personnel assigned to conduct testing to safeguard program integrity.
Testing conducted weekdays from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Post-testing, collected test samples are secured and transferred to the Firearms Identification Division evidence custodian.
Consolidation of test specimens from field offices to PNP CL monthly.
Security coordination for firearms transported from outside NCR to FEO Storage.

Four copies issued: original to be submitted to FEO for licensing; second retained by FAID; third and fourth copies for manufacturer/importer/dealer and licensee respectively.
License issuance is conditional upon presentation of testing certificate.
Certificate validated and approved by designated PNP officials and examiners; issuance exclusive to PNP CL.

Existing relevant regulations continue in force unless inconsistent with this circular.

The circular takes effect 15 days after filing at the University of the Philippines Law Center as mandated by the Revised Administrative Code.