PNP: Online gun transactions resume after data breach

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police-Civil Security Group’s online system is now operational following a reported data breach on May 17, an official of the CSG announced yesterday.

CSG spokesperson Lt. Col. Eudisan Gultiano assured the public that the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO)’s online system has new security features to prevent breaches.

“We are now accepting applications for firearm registration,” Gultiano told Camp Crame reporters.

Gultiano said that since the system’s resumption last week, up to 1,500 applications for gun license were processed daily.

“On site, the one-stop-shop caters to up to 50 applicants daily, but weekdays see around 400,” he said.

The FEO online services cover applications for license to own and possess firearms, renewals, new gun registrations and transfers.

Gultiano said some online applicants may encounter issues such as missing profile pictures and Google authenticator errors, which the IT team is addressing.

“We assure the public that their personal information is safe with our new system,” he said.

The online system of Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) remains inactive as additional cybersecurity features are being installed.

Gultiano expressed hope that SOSIA’s online operations would resume by the end of the week.