PNP allows civilians to own semi-auto rifles

MANILA, Philippines — Civilian gun owners can now own and register 7.62mm semi-automatic rifles, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

At a press briefing at Camp Crame yesterday, PNP public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo addressed concerns regarding the ownership of 5.56mm and 7.62mm-long firearms by civilians.

Civilians were permitted to own rifles before the passage of the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition Regulation, she noted.

Upon enactment of Republic Act 10591, civilian ownership of rifles was prohibited although they were allowed to license and sell them, she added.

A technical working group was formed to study the possibility of amending certain provisions related to the function and authority of PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.

Minor amendments were made to the implementing rules and guidelines, particularly in section 36.6, allowing private citizens to license semi-automatic rifles, specifically those chambered in 7.62 or lower, Fajardo said.

Possessing a license does not necessitate purchasing a firearm immediately, she clarified.

Those willing to register and obtain licenses for firearms, including semi-automatic rifles, are subject to regulation, she maintained.