Legal basis and referenced policies
- The Circular references Memorandum Circular No. 07 titled “Recognition/Operation of Gun Clubs” dated Septembers, 2006.
- The Circular also draws on Philippine National Police and Philippine Practical Shooting Association (PPSA) policies on rifle competition.
- The Circular directs that sanctioned matches must comply with the latest International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) rules.
Purpose and coverage scope
- The Circular prescribes rules governing the conduct of sanctioned rifle matches.
- The Circular prescribes rules for authorization of shooting ranges.
- The Circular prescribes equipment standards, range etiquette, and storage rules.
- The Circular prescribes the rules for issuance of transport permit.
- The Circular applies to all legitimate high powered rifle holders who use their licensed rifles in sanctioned matches in shooting ranges duly accredited by the Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) of the Civil Security Group, PNP.
Conduct of PPSA-sanctioned rifle competitions
- A permit is issued to matches sanctioned by PPSA.
- Matches must be conducted in compliance with the latest International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) rules.
- Only match officials who are active members of the National Range Officers Institute (NROI) are allowed to officiate a PPSA sanctioned match.
Outdoor firing range standards
- An outdoor rifle firing range may have only one bay with a minimum width of ten (10) meters and a minimum length of thirty (30) meters.
- The range location must be not less than 1000 meters from the national highway or any main road.
- The range must be set at a distance from the nearest residential house that is commensurate with safety from fired bullet and/or accidental firing.
- The range must not pose a nuisance to the neighborhood where it is located.
- Pit/Bunker construction must follow these standards:
- Pits must be eight (8) feet in depth, five (5) feet in width, and the length must match the target wall length.
- Bunkers must be constructed in a manner impenetrable by high powered rifles, or assault weapons.
- An artificial backstop must be constructed when there is no natural backstop like a hill or mountain, using the following specifications:
- Backstop construction must use concrete materials.
- Backstop height must be not less than fifteen (15) feet.
- Backstop thickness must be not less than five (5) feet (or as appropriate).
- Baffles must be installed when residential or commercial structures are visible in the firing line.
- The target wall must be positioned in front of a hill or mountain if possible, and must be constructed to stop bullets of any caliber, with specifications at least the same as those of the backstop.
- Transfer of target ranges and construction of new ones must be made only upon approval by the Chief, Philippine National Police.
- Gun clubs must adopt safety measures and rules to prevent accidents, and must post those rules in conspicuous places within the target range for information and guidance of all members.
- Unloading/loading areas or safety areas must be incorporated in the range design.
Equipment rules for sanctioned matches
- Only duly licensed semi-automatic and manual action rifles may be used in PPSA sanctioned rifles matches.
- Fully automatic rifles are prohibited.
- Rifles capable of firing bullets in burst are prohibited.
- Rifles capable of firing more than one bullet with a single pull of the trigger are prohibited.
- Barrel length must be a minimum of 14.5 inches, measured from the base of the barrel to the tip of the barrel (excluding the flash suppressor).
- Only standard ammunition may be used during competition.
- Armor piercing ammunition is specifically prohibited.
- Tracer ammunition is specifically prohibited.
- The maximum rifle caliber allowed is 7.62 mm.
Range etiquette and storage obligations
- Rifles must be cased while on the range premises except at the firing line.
- Competitors must immediately return the rifle in its case as they leave the stage.
- For visiting competitors of inter-island matches, rifles must be deposited at the firing range or any appointed armory for safe keeping.
- Rifles are not allowed to be brought to hotels or inns.
- Rifles must be kept in a safe and secured place (e.g., metal vaults) at the given address of the licensee when not being used in competitions.
Transport permits: eligibility, issuing authority, validity limits
- Only members of PPSA may be issued a Permit to Transport (PTT).
- Only the Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) may issue PTT’s for rifle competitions.
- PT T’s must be issued based on the match schedules calendared by PPSA.
- A PTT must never be issued without the endorsement of the PPSA President or his representative.
- Issued PTT’s are valid two (2) days prior to the competition, during the two (2) days after the competition, and the permit limits ammunition to a maximum of 500 rounds.
- Members issued PTT’s must participate in the match indicated in their PTT.
- PTT’s must be checked against match results to ensure the individual actually participated in the match.
- Members who do not comply with the participation and checking requirements must be denied further issuance of PTT’s.
Transporting rifles for inter-island travel
- Rifles must be transported in locked rifle cases away from plain view.
- Rifles must be transported separate from ammunition.
- Rifles must not be carried by the individual on commercial flights.
- Rifles must not be carried by the individual on commercial ships for inter island travel.
- Rifles for inter-island matches must be sent by cargo by duly authorized personnel of FED only.
Miscellaneous provisions, rescission, and penalties
- Unlicensed high powered rifle holders are encouraged to take advantage of the gun amnesty program under Executive Order No. 585 dated November 15, 2007.
- All rules and regulations inconsistent with the Circular are rescinded or modified accordingly.
- Any violation of the Circular’s provisions constitutes a ground for denial of individual rifle holders to join future matches.
- Violations are penalized in accordance with special laws and other related laws when warranted.
Effect of non-compliance and sanction trigger
- Non-compliance with the PTT requirements creates grounds to deny further PTT issuance to the non-compliant member.
- Any violation of the Circular’s provisions supports denial of the violator from joining future matches.
- Sanctions for violations are imposed pursuant to special laws and other related laws when warranted.