Revised IRR of RA 10591 on Firearms Regulation

Policy, construction, and interpretation

Section 2 of Republic Act No. 10591 directs that the State must maintain peace and order and protect the people from violence.
The State recognizes the right of qualified citizens to self-defense through the reasonable means to repel unlawful aggression under the circumstances, including the use of firearms.
The State must provide a comprehensive regulation on ownership, possession, carrying, manufacture, dealing in, and importation of firearms, ammunition, or parts to provide legal support to law enforcement, stop proliferation of illegal firearms, and stop illegal manufacture of firearms/ammunition and parts.
The Revised IRR requires that it be construed and interpreted in the light of these State policies under Section 2, Article I of Republic Act No. 10591.

Core definitions for regulation

Accessories are parts that enhance operational efficiency or accuracy but are not major or minor internal parts, including laser scope, telescopic sight, and sound suppressor or silencer.
Ammunition is a complete unfired unit consisting of a bullet, gunpowder, cartridge case and primer or a loaded shell for use in a firearm; bullet, cartridge case, gun powder, and primer are defined as components of that unit.
Antique Firearm includes firearms manufactured at least seventy-five (75) years prior to the current date (excluding replicas), firearms certified by the National Museum of the Philippines as curio or relic of museum interest, and firearms whose substantial value derives from being novel/rare/bizarre or associated with historical figure/period/event.
Arms Smuggling covers import/export/acquisition/sale/delivery/movement/transfer of firearms, parts/components and ammunition from or across the territory of one country to another without authorization under domestic law of either or both countries.
Firearm includes any handheld or portable weapon expelling or designed to expel a bullet/shot/slug/missile/projectile by expansive force from burning gunpowder or other combustion; for this purpose, the barrel, frame or receiver is considered a firearm.
FEO is the Firearms and Explosives Office of the PNP.
Concealed Carry is carrying firearms in public in a concealed/hidden manner; handguns must be encased in a hand luggage such as clutch bag, belt bag, gun case, and small arms (rifles/shotguns) must be cased and secured inside a vehicle.
PTCFOR is the Permit to Carry Firearm Outside of Residence, a written authority issued to a licensed citizen to carry a registered or lawfully issued firearm outside residence for the duration and purpose stated.
PTT Firearm is a Permit to Transport, a written authority allowing transport of a particular firearm from and to a specific location, within the duration and purpose stated.
Imminent Danger is threatened harm/impending injury to licensed citizens justifying permits to carry outside residence/place of business due to profession/occupation/business or exposure as a reasonable target of criminal elements.
Imitation Firearm is a replica or device substantially similar in coloration and overall appearance to lead a reasonable person to believe it is a real firearm.
Tampered, Obliterated or Altered Firearm is a firearm whose serial number or other identification/ballistic characteristics are intentionally tampered with, obliterated, or altered without authority or to conceal source/identity/ownership.

Licensing standards and ownership rules

Section 4.1 requires an applicant for License to Own and Possess Firearm(s) and Ammunition to meet all listed qualifications:
- Be a Filipino citizen (proof: Philippine passport, PSA Birth Certificate, Local Civil Registry Birth Certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, or Bureau of Immigration Identification Certificate).
- Be at least twenty-one (21) years old at filing.
- Have gainful work/occupation/business or have filed an Income Tax Return (ITR) for the preceding year, with acceptable proof such as ITR (indicating income/profession/business/occupation), W2 for government employees, Form 2316 for civilians, notarized Certificate of Employment with latest payslip, bank certificate of deposit/statement of account for the last six months, Barangay Certification, Land Title and/or proof of payment of real property tax, or Certificate of Pension.
- Submit a National Police Clearance, and during pending development/full implementation, submit City/Municipal Police Clearance or Regional Intelligence Division (RID) Clearance or Directorate for Intelligence (DI) Clearance; the clearance must certify no derogatory record.
- Submit NBI Clearance certifying no derogatory record.
- Submit neuro-psychiatric (NP) clearance issued/validated by PNP Health Service or a PNP-accredited psychologist or psychiatrist certifying passing the psychiatric test.
- Submit a drug test certificate issued by PNP Crime Laboratory or DOH-accredited/authorized drug testing laboratory/clinic where there is no PNP Crime Laboratory.
- Submit proof of passing Gun Safety and Responsible Gun Ownership Seminar (GSRGOS) administered by PNP or a registered/authorized gun club, with additional medical certificate for Persons with Disability (PWD) expressly certifying capability to use particular firearm(s) efficiently, effectively, and safely.
- Submit proof of latest billing or proof of mail sent by a government/government-owned-or-controlled office, or a Residential Lease Agreement/Contract or Barangay Certificate.
- Submit a photocopy of a valid government-issued ID with picture and present the original for comparison/cross-referencing of face, age, and residence.
- Submit a Firearm Licensee Bond Policy for Type 3 to 5 licenses.
Section 4.2 provides that a previously denied application, or an application not given due course due to a pending criminal case or permanent dismissal, qualifies the applicant to acquire a license.
Section 4.3 requires that a person intending to possess firearms owned by security agencies/juridical entities maintaining company security forces must submit the original/authenticated Duty Detail Order (DDO) as authority to possess; the DDO must be submitted to CSG-FEO at least one (1) day prior to actual posting, together with a copy of the person’s LESP.
Section 4.4 requires payment of license and registration fees as provided under Annex A-B of the Revised IRR.
Section 5 governs ownership by juridical entities:
- For juridical entities maintaining company security units not classified as security agencies and LGUs, the application for LTOPF is under the corporation’s name represented by the president or officers (vice president, treasurer, corporate secretary), with a board resolution authorizing the representative.
- The corporation must be Filipino-owned, a current/operational continuing concern, have completed SEC reportorial requirements, and have paid income taxes for the previous year as duly certified/stamped by BIR, and through CSG through SOSIA.
- For security agencies, the application is under the agency’s name represented by the owner (sole proprietorship/partnership) or officers (corporation), with a Special Power of Attorney (sole proprietorship/partnership) or board resolution (corporation).
- The required documents for these juridical-entity applications include SEC/DTI/CDA registration, valid License to Operate issued by the Director, CSG through SOSIA, latest ITR, firearm licensee bond, and current business permit, plus the appropriate authority instrument (SPA/board resolution).
- For LGUs maintaining a government guard unit, the application for Long Certificate of Registration (LCR) is under the LGU name represented by its authorized bonded firearm custodian with CSC-approved permanent position and qualified standards.
- Only LGU employees with CSC-approved permanent positions designated to provide security to LGU properties/facilities/installations may possess LGU-registered firearms, and they must apply for Short Certificates of Registration (SCR) with a valid LTOPF and latest CSC-attested appointment order with duty status.
Section 5.4 creates a non-extendible period of one year from effectivity for corporations/partnerships registered with SEC without company security forces to apply for License to Operate (LTO) as company security force under Republic Act No. 5487 rules for continuous ownership/possession of registered small firearms only (excluding light weapons).
Section 5.4.1–5.4.3 require turnover of light weapons to the PNP and establish options for registered small arms (turnover to PNP or transfer to licensed citizens/qualified juridical entities), while excluding sole proprietorships/partnerships not registered with SEC or cooperatives from firearm ownership/possession.
Section 5.5 bars juridical entities whose firearms licenses were previously cancelled/suspended/revoked by the FEO from renewing an LTO as company security forces; pendency of any criminal case against the entity or its directors/officers renders ineligible; in either case, all registered firearms (small and light) must be turned over to the PNP.
Section 5.6 allows accredited gun clubs and accredited shooting ranges to continuously possess registered small arms for propagation of gun safety, sports/competition, and self-defense, subject to annual PNP inspection; upon effectivity of the 2018 Revised IRR, only shooting ranges may purchase and register new firearms under the name of the shooting range.

National government firearms reporting and carrying rules

Section 6.1 requires all firearms in the inventory of National Government departments/bureaus/offices/agencies, including GOCCs, state universities and colleges, and other law enforcement agencies not covered by Section 6.2, to be registered with the FEO in the name of the government agency/instrumentality.
Section 6.1 provides that such registration is exempt from all duties and taxes, and exempt from license/registration fees otherwise levied on authorized owners of firearms.
Section 6.1.2 requires NGA applications for LTOPF in the name of the NGA represented by its authorized bonded firearm custodian, and submission includes appointment order as SAO and valid SAO bond certificate.
Section 6.2 limits national security reporting: firearms owned by PNP, AFP, PCG, NBI, PDEA must only be reported to the FEO.
Section 6.2.1 requires an Annual Report to the FEO within one year from effectivity, not later than January 31 of the succeeding year, showing:
- make, type, caliber, serial number,
- date of acquisition,
- serviceable/non-serviceable status,
- name of property custodian,
- ammunition quantity.
Section 6.2.2 requires that reports for new purchased/transferred firearms include stencil/test certificate from PNP Crime Laboratory, proof of acquisition (contract/purchase order with notice to proceed for new procurement, or deed of donation for transfer), and authority from the President to procure light weapons (except PNP and AFP).

Carrying outside residence: permits and limits

Section 7.1 provides that a PTCFOR is issued to a licensed citizen whose life is under actual threat or imminent danger to carry outside residence/place of business.
Section 7.1 states that small arms may be permitted to be carried outside residence subject to conditions determined by the Chief, PNP.
Section 7.2 requires that PTCFOR application be for approval of the C, PNP and that the validity of PTCFOR is one (1) year only.
Section 7.3 requires a written application made under oath, duly notarized, filed together with the threat assessment certificate issued by the PNP intelligence unit.
Section 7.4 exempts the following professionals from submitting threat assessment certificates due to nature of their profession/occupation/business:
- Members of the Philippine Bar;
- Certified Public Accountants;
- Accredited media practitioners from recognized media institutions;
- Cashiers and bank tellers;
- Priests, Ministers, Rabbi, Imams;
- Physicians, dentists, and nurses;
- Engineers;
- Businessmen exposed to high risk of being targets due to legally regulated/recognized business undertaking.
- Active and retired AFP/PNP/other LEAs, and incumbent/former elected officials from Municipal Chief Executive and up, are also not required to submit threat assessment certificates.
Section 7.5 allows issuance of PTCFOR to a licensed sports shooter covering a maximum of three (3) firearms at any one time, including allowed ammunition quantity under Section 12, provided conditions are met:
- Authorization is limited to three firearms during shooting competition and practice, with invitation of organizing committee and/or endorsement from accredited gun club/association.
- A special license fee rate applies, lower than the total fee for three firearms.
- Authorization is limited strictly to firearms covered by the PTCFOR.
- Prohibition on using third parties to carry firearms covered by the PTCFOR.
Section 7.6 mandates carrying guidelines:
- PTCFOR is non-transferable.
- Display of firearms is prohibited; firearms must be concealed (handgun encased in hand luggage such as clutch bag/belt bag/gun case; rifles/shotguns cased and secured inside a motor vehicle).
- Prohibits bringing firearms inside places of worship, public drinking and amusement places, other commercial/public establishments, places of engagements during international events, or within areas of public convergence during local celebrations.
- Any violation is a ground for immediate revocation of PTCFOR.
- Expired/revoked/cancelled/suspended LTOPF and firearm registration automatically invalidate the corresponding PTCFOR.
Section 7.7 provides reduced fees: government employees, retirees, military reservists, and senior citizens pay only the card fee for PTCFOR.
Section 7.8 requires that in case of PTT, the magazine with or without ammunition must not be inserted/loaded in the firearm while in transit.
Section 7.9 requires that private security agencies, private detective agencies, company security forces, government guard units, and other licensed/accredited private security providers issue a Duty Detail Order (DDO) to security personnel on actual duty; the DDO serves as authority to carry the issued firearm within specific duration and location of posting/assignment.
Section 7.10 requires members of the PNP, AFP, and other LEAs to comply with Annex C carrying guidelines for registered privately-owned firearms or government-issued firearms.

Registration and counting of firearms/ammunition

Section 8 states that the C, PNP through FEO, after processing, approves issuance of licenses to qualified individuals and causes firearm registration in accordance with the Revised IRR.
Section 9.1 authorizes issuance of licenses to qualified individuals under Type categories, subject to Section 4.1 and Section 4.4 and payment of required fees determined by the C, PNP:
- Type 1: max two (2) registered firearms.
- Type 2: max five (5) registered firearms.
- Type 3: max ten (1) registered firearms.
- Type 4: max fifteen (15) registered firearms.
- Type 5: certified gun collector; allowed to own/possess more than fifteen (15) firearms.
Section 9.1 further requires antique firearm collectors to apply for an antique firearm collector’s license and comply with Section 4.1, Section 4.3, payment of required fees, and other requirements under Section 27 of the law and the Revised IRR.
Section 9.1 mandates that for Type 5, the FEO issues guidelines on authorization for acquisition of additional firearms by a citizen.
Section 9.2 requires a vault or container secured by lock and key (or other security measures appropriate under FEO premises) for Types 1 to 5.
Section 9.3 requires PNP inspection prior to issuance of licenses for Types 3 to 5, limited to visual and announced seven days prior, conducted during office hours (8:00AM to 5:00PM) in presence of the licensed citizen or authorized representative, and limited to compliance on vault requirement; failure is a ground for denial of license.
Section 9.3 requires that the Inspection Team is covered with a Letter Order issued by the Director, CSG.
Section 9.6 grants discounts:
- 50% discount on fees for LTOPF and firearm registration for government employees, retirees, and military reservists.
- 20% discount for senior citizens who are not active or retired government employees.
Section 10.1 limits registration by licensed citizens/juridical entities to small arms as defined in the Revised IRR.
Section 10.2 restricts light weapons acquisition/possession exclusively to AFP, PNP and other law enforcement agencies authorized by the President in performance of duties; the PNP must formulate parameters/guidelines for acquisition/possession by authorized law enforcement agencies.
Section 10.3 preserves lawful possession of Class-A light weapon holders at effectivity, provided they renew licenses/registration and continue standard requirements under Section 4.1 and Section 4.4.
Section 10.4 provides that failure to renew or comply with renewal standards for Class-A light weapons is a ground for cancellation of registration; in case of revocation/cancellation, the individual must surrender within thirty (30) days to the nearest police station; otherwise, the individual may be charged for violation of the law.
Section 11.1 requires licensed citizens, licensed juridical entities (including NGA) to register lawfully acquired firearm(s) with FEO; only after compliance and payment of prescribed fees is a certificate of registration issued.
Section 11.2 requires submission of documentary requirements under Annex A-D of the Revised IRR.
Section 11.3 requires approval/authority from the Chief, PNP for acquisition of extra major parts and replacement of major parts.
Section 11.3.1 allows application for extra barrel, frame or receiver, requires registration as firearm valid for four (4) years, and mandates stencil/test procedures.
Section 11.3.2 requires that a firearm with a new major part undergo stencil/test, and replaced major parts must be turned over to the FEO for proper disposition.
Section 11.4 adopts firearm license category limits for juridical entities:
- Type 1: max two (2) registered firearms,
- Type 2: max five (5),
- Type 3: max ten (10),
- Type 4: max fifteen (15),
- Type 5: more than fifteen (15).
- Private Security Agencies (PSAs) are automatically categorized as Type 5.

Ammunition limits, sports shooters, and reloading machines

Section 12.1 provides that a license to own and possess registered firearm(s) necessarily includes possession of ammunition appropriate to the registered firearm, but ammunition shall not exceed fifty (50) rounds per firearm at any given time.
Section 12.1 excludes antique firearm collector licenses under Section 27 of the law and Revised IRR from this Section 12 ammunition cap provision.
Section 12.2 authorizes possession of more than 50 rounds but not more than one thousand (1000) rounds per registered firearm for licensed citizens, but only after securing a sports shooter’s license, for practice/competition linked to Section 7.5 and Section 7.8.
Section 12.2.1 requires submission of duly accomplished application form and endorsement from the President of an accredited gun club or sports shooting association for sports shooter’s license.
Section 12.2.2 allows simultaneous application for sports shooter’s license and license to own and possess firearms.
Section 12.3 allows active and retired PNP, AFP, Coast Guard, NBI, and PDEA to possess more than 50 rounds but not more than three hundred sixty (360) rounds per registered privately-owned firearm and/or issued firearm.
Section 12.4.1 authorizes applicants for a license to possess ammunition reloading machine: licensed sports shooters, licensed juridical entities, accredited gun clubs with shooting ranges, accredited shooting ranges, and LEAs.
Section 12.4.2 designates the approving authority for new/renewal of the reloading machine license as the C, PNP.
Section 12.4.3 requires licensed sports shooters/juridical entities/accredited gun clubs with shooting ranges/accredited shooting ranges/LEAs to secure a license/permit to acquire primer and gun powder as a pre-condition to applying for license to possess ammunition reloading machine.
Section 12.4.4 exempts LEAs from payment of license fees if the license is under the name of the government or agency of the Republic of the Philippines.
Section 12.4.5 prohibits licensed sports shooters, licensed juridical entities, accredited gun clubs with shooting ranges, accredited shooting ranges, and LEAs from selling reloaded ammunition.
Section 12.4.6 requires reloading machines to be serialized and registered with FEO; registration is valid for four (4) years, renewed by filing six (6) months before expiration.
Section 12.4.7 limits transfers of reloading machines to: licensed sports shooter, licensed juridical entities, accredited gun clubs with shooting ranges, accredited shooting ranges, LEAs, licensed manufacturer, and licensed dealer with Permit to Reload Ammunition.
Section 12.4.8 requires entities already possessing reloading machines before effectivity to secure a license to possess ammunition reloading machines within six (6) months from effectivity; licensed individuals may retain possession within the same period if they first acquire a sports shooter’s license.
Section 12.4.9 requires monthly reporting by licensed sports shooters/juridical entities/accredited gun clubs with shooting ranges/accredited shooting ranges/LEAs on production and disposal of reloading machines and reloaded ammunition with FEO.

Licenses to manufacture and deal in firearms

Section 13.1 requires any person (natural or juridical), corporation, or partnership wishing to engage in the business of manufacturing or dealing in firearms/parts/ammunition, or instruments/implements intended for sale/distribution, to first secure the appropriate license.
Section 13.1.1 exempts the Government Arsenal created under Republic Act No. 1884 from the requirements under Sections 13 but requires compliance with Sections 14 and 15 of Republic Act No. 10591, and subjects it to reportorial requirements as required by FEO, including production reports, inventory of raw materials, sales report, inventory report, and other reports that the C, PNP may require annually.
Section 13.2 requires applications to be in the owner’s name for sole proprietorships/partnerships or in the corporation’s name represented by the president or a corporate officer/member of the board empowered through the Secretary’s Certificate; applicants may authorize a representative through a Special Power of Attorney to process the application.
Section 13.3 requires the applicant to state types of arms/ammunition/implements to be manufactured or purchased/sold and to submit the FEO application accompanied by documentary requirements under Annex A-E.
Section 13.3.1 requires clearances and permits to be valid at the time of filing.
Section 13.4 designates the approving authority for License to Manufacture (including amendment/renewal) as the SILG.
Section 13.5 designates the approving authority for License to Deal (including amendment/renewal) as the Chief, PNP.
Section 13.6 requires transmission to the FEO for issuance of the license upon approval by SILG or C, PNP and upon execution/delivery by the applicant of the required bond conditioned on faithful compliance with laws and regulations.
Section 13.7 sets the validity of a License to Manufacture or License to Deal at five (5) years.
Section 13.7.1 allows the approving authority to grant a longer period for renewal in meritorious cases such as expansion or domestic/foreign investment partnerships/joint ventures, or based on capability factors (capitalization, equipment, number of dealership locations, facilities, number of employees, years in operation), without prejudice to inspection requirements under Section 20 and revocation authority under Section 39.
Section 13.7.2 requires renewal applications to be filed before expiration; if filed and officially received at least 90 days before expiration, the license remains valid until a renewal decision is rendered, and validity reckoning for the renewed license begins on the day after the expiry date of the previous license.
Section 13.7.3 provides that immediately after expiration, a Cease to Operate (CTO) Order with Notice of Confiscation shall issue by PNP through FEO to the manufacturer/dealer with expired license, stating that the license expired, granting a 60-day grace period to re-apply subject to penalties to be determined by the PNP, and warning that failure to secure a new license within the grace period causes confiscation of firearms/ammunition/major parts or machinery/tools/instruments intended for manufacture of firearms/ammunition or major parts.
Section 13.7.3 further provides that after lapse of the 60-day grace period, failure to secure a new license prohibits the manufacturer/dealer from exercising authorities under Sections 14 and 15.