PNP issues new requirements for gun permit

MANILA, Philippines -The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Thursday that it is now requiring all licensed gun owners to personally submit their biometric fingerprint specimen and photograph to get a permit to carry their firearms outside their residence.

The PNP said that these administrative requirements for the issuance of permit will be the basis in adjusting the records in the Firearms Information Management System database to improve the processes in the issuance of firearms licenses and permits.

Senior Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP Public Information Office head, said all these processes aim to streamline existing gun licensing procedures to intensify the campaign against delinquent gun owners and those in possession of loose firearms.

The operation against loose firearms is one of the most effective tools against organized crime groups, private armed groups and fugitives who usually use loose firearms.

The PNP is still implementing "Oplan Katok” or house visits on licensed gun owners, to verify the current status of the guns and its registered owners.

The PNP said that over the past six months it has conducted 464,996 house visits on registered gun owners with expired license to remind them of the their obligation to update their firearms records.