Title
Mandatory Firearm Testing and Stenciling Guidelines
Law
Pnp Memorandum Circular No. 2011-003
Decision Date
Feb 3, 2010
PNP Memorandum Circular No. 011-09 establishes guidelines for mandatory testing of firearms in the Philippines, aiming to strengthen forensic capabilities and establish a reliable ballistics database, in response to the increase in unsolved killings due to the lack of such a database.
guidelines
mandatory testing
firearms

Legal basis and related issuances

  • The circular anchors its implementation on Sections 3 and 4, Chapter 2, Book VII, EO No. 292 (The Revised Administrative Code of 1987, as amended) for its effectivity rule.
  • The circular implements and harmonizes with prior PNP issuances, including PNP Memorandum Circular No. 2009-011 (dated June 24, 2009) on guidelines for mandatory testing of firearms for licensing.
  • The circular also references PNP Memorandum Circular No. 2010-008 (dated July 08, 2010) on rationalized policies on possession, bearing and carrying of firearms.
  • The circular relies on Standard Operating Procedure No. 008-2010 (dated August 13, 2010) on test firing and stenciling for renewal and permits for carrying firearms outside residence (including PTCFOR-LEA).
  • The circular cites NAPOLCOM Resolution No. 2007-074 (dated February 16, 2007) concerning approval of an executive order for ballistic testing of registered firearms and utilization of related funds.
  • The circular also references a Memorandum from the Directorate for Operations approved by the C, PNP dated February 3, 2009 on mandatory general ballistic testing.
  • The circular’s repealing clause preserves existing issuances unless they conflict with it, stating that applicable provisions of existing LOIs, Memoranda, Directives or Circulars not in conflict remain in effect.

Policy objectives and operational intent

  • The circular aims to establish a reliable database of test bullets, cartridge cases and stencils of new locally manufactured firearms for licensing.
  • The circular requires the system to include firearms imported by importers/dealers so the forensic capability of the PNP is supported for anti-crime firearms control.
  • The circular aims to increase the output of test firing and stenciling for new locally manufactured and imported firearms for licensing.
  • The circular is designed to ease congestion in testing and stenciling by allowing eligible manufacturers to provide off-site facilities while the PNP realigns resources.

Core definitions

  • Ammunition refers to loaded shells from which a bullet/ball/shot/shell/missile may be fired by gunpowder or explosives.
  • For firearm testing, the standard ammunition is full metal jacket and copper coated ammunition.
  • Approved Site is a designated and approved venue outside PNP Crime Laboratory (PNP CL) with required facilities where firearm testing and stenciling are performed and managed by PNP CL and Firearms and Explosives Office, Civil Security Group (FEO-CSG) personnel.
  • Ballistician is a non-uniformed technical personnel of PNP CL with specialized forensic firearms investigation and examination skills.
  • Bullet Recovery System is the recovery equipment used during test firing to obtain test/standard bullets and cartridge cases.
  • Cartridge Case is the ammunition component used as the container for gun powder, bullet, and primer.
  • Database of Bullets and Cartridge Cases is the collection of reliable reference test/standard bullets and cartridge cases for comparison with evidence bullets and cartridge cases.
  • Firearms Dealer is any duly PNP-licensed person/entity/corporation/partnership engaged in buying and/or selling firearms, ammunition, firearms parts/accessories, tools/equipment/machineries at wholesale or retail.
  • Firearms Importer is any duly PNP-licensed person/entity/corporation/partnership engaged in importing or bringing firearms/ammunition/parts/accessories/tools/equipment/machineries into the Republic of the Philippines for sale and distribution.
  • Firearms Manufacturer is a person/juridical entity engaged in manufacturing firearms for purposes of sale or distribution.
  • Firearm testing is test firing before a bullet recovery system to retrieve test bullets and cartridge cases and determine serviceability and functionality.
  • Forensic Firearms Examiner is a uniformed technical personnel of PNP CL with specialized forensic firearms investigation and examination skills.
  • Licensed Firearm is a firearm covered by a license issued by FEO-CSG.
  • Stenciling is the tracing of embossed or engraved identifying markings of a firearm.
  • Storage is the proper safekeeping of the database of bullets and cartridge cases for future use.
  • Test Bullets are fired bullets collected during test firing.
  • Test Cartridge Case is a fired cartridge case collected during test firing.

Mandatory responsibilities and fee rules

  • The PNP CL is the OPR for implementing the circular, including maintaining the ballistics database and storage of test bullets and cartridge cases and stencils of licensed firearms.
  • The Chief, FEO-CSG must ensure all firearms data endorsed to the Director, PNP CL (D, PNP CL) for testing and stenciling are first encoded in the Firearms Information Management System (FIMS) for proper accounting.
  • The Chief, FEO-CSG must indorse requests for firearms testing and stenciling to D, PNP CL in coordination with firearms manufacturers/importers/dealers.
  • Forensic Firearms Examiners and Technicians of PNP CL must conduct the test firing and stenciling of newly manufactured/imported firearms.
  • The PNP CL must ensure forensic examiners and technicians are readily available to attend and fast-track processing of firearms.
  • Testing and stenciling must be conducted at any of the following venues:
    • PNP CL headquarters, or
    • PNP Training Service Target Range, or
    • A manufacturer’s approved site recommended by C, FEO-CSG and D, PNP CL for the purpose and approved by DO.
  • Off-site testing and stenciling is considered only for manufacturers with production output of not less than 500 firearms per month.
  • The firearms manufacturer/importer/dealer must pay PHP 350.00 for testing and stenciling of every firearm to cover ammunition, supplies, and materials for test firing, stenciling, and maintenance of collected specimens.
  • If the manufacturer/importer/dealer provides five (5) rounds of the prescribed ammunition, the fee is PHP 250.00 per firearm.

Procedures for preparation, testing, certificates, storage

  • A firearms manufacturer must request in writing firearms testing and stenciling at the approved site.
  • The manufacturer must provide a PNP CL-approved ballistic tube with cotton or water tank for test firing at its own expense.
  • The manufacturer must provide the team that will conduct test firing and stenciling, and must provide accommodation and transportation requirements from PNP Headquarters to and from the approved site.
  • The manufacturer must submit to FEO-CSG a list in the prescribed format containing each firearm’s serial number, type, make, and caliber.
  • FEO-CSG must inspect the firearms indicated in the list and indorse the inspection report to PNP CL for issuance of an Order of Payment.
  • After payment is made at the Land Bank of the Philippines, the manufacturer must coordinate with PNP CL and FEO-CSG for scheduling.
  • PNP CL and FEO must prepare the assignment of designated personnel for testing and stenciling at the approved site, and personnel detailed must be rotated regularly to ensure program integrity.
  • Firearms testing and stenciling must be conducted only weekdays, from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm to allow time for FEO Investigation and Inspection Section authorized representatives to inspect and escort firearms for deposit at FEO Storage.
  • After testing and stenciling, the Forensic Firearm Examiner and the Ballistician must collect the test bullets, cartridge cases, and stencils; must secure, transport, and turn over them to the Evidence Custodian of the Firearms Identification Division (FAID), PNP CL.
  • A copy of the approved testing and stenciling report must be released the following day.
  • Test specimens and stencils collected by PNP CL field offices must be forwarded to headquarters PNP CL for consolidation every 5th day of the month.
  • Firearms tested and stenciled outside the National Capital Region must be transported and deposited at FEO Storage.
  • Before transport, FEO-CSG must coordinate with firearms manufacturers and PROs to provide adequate security escorts to ensure safe transport to FEO Storage.

Firearms Testing and Stenciling Certificate

  • The PNP CL or its field offices must issue four (4) copies of a Firearm Testing and Stenciling Certificate containing firearm description and information relative to the conduct of testing.
  • The original certificate, together with documentary requirements for licensing, must be submitted to FEO.
  • The Firearms Identification Division (FAID), PNP CL must maintain the second copy.
  • The manufacturer/importer/dealer must receive two (2) copies.
  • The third copy must be maintained by the manufacturer/importer/dealer.
  • The fourth copy must be intended for the licensee.
  • No firearm license may be issued by FEO-CSG without the testing certificate.
  • The firearms testing and stenciling certificate must be validated by the testing Forensic Firearms Examiner, approved by C, FAID, and noted by D, PNP CL or his authorized representative.
  • When the test is done at the regional level, counterparts at the Regional Crime Laboratory Office (RCLO) must note the certificate.
  • PNP CL is the only office authorized to issue the Firearms Testing and Stenciling Certificate.

Coordination, compliance, repealing, effectivity

  • Operational procedures and applicable standard operating procedures for the safe conduct of test firing for licensing must be strictly observed.
  • Lateral coordination among PNP units including FEO-CSG, PNP CL, FESAGS-ROPD, PROs, and the concerned firearms manufacturer/dealer/importer is authorized and encouraged.
  • The circular’s repealing clause provides that all applicable provisions of existing LOIs, Memoranda, Directives or Circulars not in conflict with it remain in effect.
  • The circular takes effect after fifteen (15) days from filing a copy thereof at the University of the Philippines Law Center pursuant to Sections 3 and 4, Chapter 2, Book VII, EO No. 292 (The Revised Administrative Code of 1987, as amended).

Analyze Cases Smarter, Faster
Jur helps you analyze cases smarter to comprehend faster, building context before diving into full texts. AI-powered analysis, always verify critical details.

About Privacy Terms