Law Summary
Key Definitions
- Detailed definitions including firearms, ammunition components, antique firearms, arms smuggling, accessories, license types, and other technical and legal terms.
- Defines legal entities, licensed individuals, parts of firearms, types of licenses, types of weapons, and specialized terms relevant to regulation.
Licensing Requirements for Firearm Ownership
- Applicants must be Filipino citizens, at least 21 years old, have gainful work or proof of income, no derogatory records, pass neuro-psychiatric and drug tests, and complete gun safety seminar.
- Various supporting documents required including clearances, identity proofs, proof of residence, and bonds for certain license types.
- Special provisions for persons with disability, retired or active law enforcement.
Ownership by Juridical Entities
- Companies, security agencies, LGUs apply for firearms licenses under corporate representation.
- Requirements include SEC registration, stockholders’ authorization, income tax returns, bonds, and valid licenses to operate security forces.
- Securities firms and LGUs are subject to additional controls; transfer or turnover of firearms to PNP required if license lapses or legal disability occurs.
Government Firearms Ownership
- National Government offices, GOCCs, state universities must register firearms with FEO under agency’s name, exempt from fees.
- Law enforcement agencies report inventories annually.
Carrying Firearms Outside Residence
- Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) needed, valid for one year; application requires threat assessment or exemption for certain professions.
- Guidelines for concealed carry strict, including prohibition of firearms in certain places.
- Sports shooters have specific provisions allowing carrying firearms during practice and competition.
Registration and Licensing of Firearms
- FEO authorized to issue licenses and maintain firearm registrations.
- Types 1 to 5 licenses correspond to ownership quantity limits; antique firearm collectors have specialized licenses.
- Vault or container security required for higher license types.
- Renewals and inspections required with strict compliance and sanctions for noncompliance.
Firearm and Ammunition Registration
- Only small arms may be registered by private individuals; light weapons restricted to law enforcement.
- Fresh or replacement major parts require FEO authorization.
- Registered firearms and ammunition quantified and licenses correspond to allowed ammunition possession.
Manufacture, Dealership, and Gunsmith Licensing
- Licenses required for manufacturing or dealing firearms and ammunition; government arsenal exempt from some requirements.
- Secretarial and police approval needed for manufacturer and dealer licenses, respectively.
- Gunsmith licenses allow repairing and minor customization; applicants must meet age, citizenship, character requirements with facility security.
- License-related procedures for renewal, inspection, reporting, and grounds for revocation detailed.
Sports and Competition Use
- Permit to Transport required for firearms and ammunition from residence to range or competition sites; special provisions for minors in competition.
License and Registration Renewal
- Two-year license validity; four-year firearm registration validity.
- Failure to renew results in automatic revocation and potential perpetual disqualification.
Inspection and Inventory
- Periodic inspections by PNP authorized for manufacturers, dealers, gunsmiths, clubs, and shooting ranges.
- Reports required with penalties for non-compliance.
Acquisition, Deposit, and Importation of Firearms
- Firearms and ammunition must be acquired only from authorized entities and transferred only between licensed parties.
- Deposit upon arrival required for firearms not registered locally.
- Procedures for import permits for foreign firearm possession outlined.
Safekeeping and Abandonment
- Mechanisms for depositing firearms with police for safekeeping with possible storage fees.
- Unclaimed firearms after 5 years considered abandoned and lawfully disposed.
Death, Disability, and Antique Firearm Handling
- License expiry upon death or legal disability; transfer and registration procedures for heirs.
- Antique firearms require special licenses and registration, subject to inspection and proper storage requirements.
Penal Provisions
- Specific penalties ranging from prision mayor to reclusion perpetua depending on the type of firearm, quantity, and circumstances.
- Increased penalties for loaded or specially modified firearms.
- Liability established for juridical persons allowing illegal use of firearms.
- Crimes connected with loose firearms and use of imitation firearms punishable.
Revocation and Compliance
- Licenses and permits may be revoked/suspended on grounds including criminal involvement, falsification, non-compliance, or carrying firearms illegally.
- Failure to notify lost or stolen firearms, illegal transfer, and registration violations strictly penalized.
Final Provisions
- Firearms repository established with annual firearm inventory reporting mandated for government and law enforcement agencies.
- Final general amnesty granted for unregistered firearms with six-month registration window.
- Repealing and separability clauses ensure consistency and enforceability.
- Effectivity set 15 days after publication.
All aspects of firearm ownership, possession, manufacture, transport, and penalties are regulated under this Revised IRR to ensure public safety and lawful handling of firearms in the Philippines.