PNP: Rules on sale of semi-automatic rifles to civilians out soon

PNP Civil Security Group (CSG) spokesperson Lt. Col. Eudisan Gultiano (PNA Photo by Lloyd Caliwan)

MANILA – The guidelines on the sale of semi-automatic rifles to civilians would soon be released, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday.

In an interview at Camp Crame, Quezon City, PNP Civil Security Group (CSG) spokesperson Lt. Col. Eudisan Gultiano said they are in the “final stage” of drafting the memorandum circular for the measure.

“Hopefully, makakarating na ito kay Chief PNP (Gen. Rommel Marbil) within this week or the following week kasi minamadali na rin ni Chief PNP actually ito, special directive niya rin ito sa FEO (Firearms and Explosives Office) na tapusin na itong guidelines about sa pagbebenta ng (the guidelines would reach the office of the Chief PNP within this week because he actually wants to speed up its release, it’s a special directive from him to FEO – to finish the guidelines on the sale of) semi-automatic rifles),” Gultiano said.

She said firearms dealers can only accept orders and payments but cannot release these firearms yet to buyers.

The guidelines are pursuant to the PNP’s earlier move to allow civilians to own semi-automatic rifles, including 5.56-mm and 7.62mm-long firearms.

This came after the PNP amended the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act — a move which was met with opposition by some sectors and lawmakers who warned of a possible increase in gun violence cases.

The prohibition on the use of fully automatic rifles by civilians remains in place.

Meanwhile, Gultiano said they are looking into extending the validity of the license to exercise security profession given to private security agencies.

She said the website of the Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA), the office in charge of licensing private security agencies, is still undergoing security checks.

The PNP suspended all of its online services indefinitely following an alleged data breach.