Background
- Uncontrolled proliferation of loose firearms in the Philippines poses a serious threat to peace, order, and public safety.
- Loose firearms have been used in grave incidents such as the Maguindanao massacre.
- These firearms contribute to violence, electoral intimidation, prolonged conflicts, and organized crimes.
- The PNP initiated a National Firearms Control Program culminating in earlier memoranda to impose stricter regulations.
- The revised circular seeks to balance stringent firearm control with the operational needs of government security forces.
Objective
- To clarify and revise policies from PNP MC 2010-008 concerning possession, bearing, and carrying of firearms outside residence.
General Policies
- Securing authority from Chief, PNP, is mandatory before possessing firearms.
- Registration of all firearms (private and government-owned) with the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) is required.
- Firearms licenses are valid until expiration unless revoked or canceled.
- Carrying firearms outside residence requires a Permit To Carry Firearm Outside of Residence (PTCFOR), Mission Order (MO), or Letter Order (LO).
- The Chief, PNP issues PTCFOR; certain agency heads may issue MO/LO.
Possession of Firearms
- Only Filipino citizens with proper authority may possess firearms, excluding crew-served weapons, LAWs, LMGs, and similar heavy firearms.
- Mandatory requirements include validated neuro-psychiatric evaluation, drug testing, comprehensive background investigation, and firearm safety seminar attendance.
- Evaluations and tests must be conducted or validated by designated PNP offices and accredited personnel.
- The background investigation is a joint effort involving local and national police units.
- Licensed firearms must undergo ballistics testing and stenciling by the Crime Laboratory every four years.
- Firearms must be stored securely, preferably in safety deposit boxes or designated residential storage.
Bearing and Carrying Firearms Outside Residence
- General prohibition on carrying firearms outside residence except with proper permits.
- One PTCFOR is allowed per licensed short firearm; long firearms are generally excluded.
- Authorized carrying:
- Private citizens with PTCFOR may carry one licensed short firearm outside residence.
- PNP, AFP, and other LEA members can carry privately owned firearms when on official duty with proper license and orders.
- Government-issued firearms are carried only on official duty with corresponding receipts and orders.
- Carry to and from residence requires concealment and relevant documentation.
- Special PTCFOR-LEA permits allow carrying government-issued firearms in civilian attire with endorsements and certificates.
- Local chief executives and barangay chairmen may carry firearms within jurisdiction pursuant to Local Government Code.
- Certain high-ranking government officials and law enforcement officers are exempted from proving actual threat for PTCFOR application.
- Guidelines on carrying firearms include requirements for holsters, concealment, and prohibitions on display.
- Strict restrictions include non-transferability of PTCFOR, prohibition in certain public places, and requirement to carry relevant documents.
Duty to Present Authority
- Persons carrying firearms outside residence must present their firearm license and PTCFOR upon request by law enforcement.
Promotion of Gun-Free Zones
- PNP offices shall promote and work with LGUs to establish gun-free zones in schools, places of worship, commercial areas, and tourist spots.
- Local ordinances for gun-free zones are encouraged.
- Strict no firearms policy applies in these zones, except for PNP, AFP, and LEAs performing official duties.
- Regular PTCFORs have no effect within declared gun-free zones.
Administrative Sanctions
- Carrying firearms outside residence without PTCFOR leads to license cancellation.
- Carrying firearms in prohibited places also results in license cancellation and invalidation of PTCFOR.
- Apprehending units submit reports to FEO for license cancellation initiation.
- License cancellation requires immediate surrender of firearms to authorities.
- Repeat violations may lead to disqualification from owning firearms.
- License renewal or restoration is possible upon showing good cause and discretion of the Chief, PNP.
Implementing Guidelines
- The Civil Security Group and PTCFOR Secretariat will issue implementing rules and guidelines.
- Directorate for Police Community Relations and other offices will sustain advocacy for gun-free zones.
Amending Clause
- Prior inconsistent issuances are modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Circular takes effect fifteen days after filing at the University of the Philippines Law Center as per the Revised Administrative Code provisions.