PNP urges gun owners to renew permits

The Civil Security Group (CSG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) director Chief Superintendent Jaime Caringal appealed to all holders of expired gun licenses to renew their permits with the CSG office at Camp Crame to avoid being penalized.

CSG director Chief Superintendent Jaime Caringal issued the statement after the PNP announced the end of the election period last week and the formal lifting of the gun ban implemented by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from Dec. 15 to June 9.

The lifting of the gun ban allows anew all licensed gunholders to bring their firearms outside their homes, provided that they have the necessary requirements, including the Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR).

Caringal said his unit is now in the process of reviewing the list of gun-holders, which is also being segregated to determine the total number of individuals with expired licenses.

The CSG has sent notices to all gunholders with expired licenses to renew their firearm’s licenses to avoid penalty and face possible criminal charges.

"I have also sent all regional commanders in the provinces with the list of these individuals with expired permits so they can determine the number of gunholders in their areas," Caringal said. "This will help us in the maintenance of peace and order, and bring down incidents of crime."

An individual found to have in his possession a gun without or with expired permits may be held inside for illegal possession and face imprisonment of a maximum of six years, Caringal said.

In an interview, the CSG chief revealed that there are about 800,000 registered firearm holders nationwide.

Only 3,900 gun enthusiasts and professionals have PTCFORs, which allows them to carry their firearms outside of their residences.

Caringal said the CSG is also offering amnesty for individuals who have in their possession unlicensed or loose firearms.