Rules for new law on guns out soon

MANILA, Philippines - The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the new law on firearms and ammunition regulation will be out soon.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima will lead the signing of the IRR of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, during the flag-raising ceremony on Monday.

President Aquino signed into law RA 10591 last May 29.

The new law recognizes the right of qualified citizens to self-defense through the use of firearms, under certain circumstances.

It requires gun owners to renew their licenses every two years on or before the date of expiration.

If they fail to renew their licenses, the PNP will revoke them and seize the firearms.

A gun holder would have to apply for a license, similar to a driver’s license, before he or she would be allowed to acquire a firearm.

The registration of a firearm must be renewed every four years, and failure to do so on or before the date of expiration shall cause the revocation of the license. The firearm will then be seized or forfeited in favor of the government.

Failure to renew a license or registration within the period mandated under the law on two occasions shall cause the holder of the firearm to be perpetually disqualified from applying for any firearm license.

The application for the renewal of the license or registration may be submitted to the Firearms and Explosive Office within six months before the date of the expiration.

RA 10591 requires that the carrying of firearms outside of residence or place of business must have a permit to carry (PTC).

It states that a qualified person may apply for a PTC if he or she is under actual threat or is in imminent danger due to the nature of his or her profession, occupation or business.

The law specifies professionals considered to be in imminent danger due to the nature of their profession, occupation or business,  including lawyers or members of the Philippine Bar, certified public accountants, accredited media practitioners, cashiers, bank tellers, priests, ministers, rabbis and imams, physicians, nurses and engineers.

Businessmen who, by nature of their business, are exposed to the high risk of being targets of criminal elements are also allowed to apply for PTC.

An applicant for a gun license must be a Filipino citizen, at least 21 years old and has gained full work occupation or business or has filed an income tax return for the preceding year as proof of income, profession, business or occupation.