Active cops, soldiers exempted from drug, psych tests for gun licenses

MANILA, Philippines — Active members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are exempted from undergoing drug tests as well as psychological and psychiatric examinations when securing license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF).

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil instituted the changes in the application of new and renewal of gun licenses for police and military officers.

“All active military and police personnel are no longer required to undergo DT (drug test) and PPE (psychological and psychiatric examinations) since they are already trained as responsible firearm holders,” he said in a memorandum.

Marbil said the drug test and psychological examinations conducted on PNP and AFP members during their service will suffice as requirements.

Police officers and military personnel are only required to submit their government issued identification cards for the processing of their firearm licenses.

Civilian gun holders, meanwhile, are still required to undergo drug testing and neuro-psychiatric evaluation when they renew their licenses.

The policy does not cover members of other law enforcement agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Philippine Coast Guard, Civil Security Group (CSG) spokesperson Lt. Col Eudisan Gultiano.

Another reason for the exemption is that police officers are regularly subjected to drug tests as well as psychological and psychiatric examinations, particularly when they apply for promotion or when they go on schooling.

As part of its internal cleansing drive, the PNP also conducts random drug tests on its officers and personnel.

“This is being validated by the Health Service and we have our own existing records,” she said.

The situation is different with civilian gun owners, whose activities could not be monitored after they obtain their firearm licenses.