28K LOOSE GUNS IN WV: PNP launches permit renewal caravan

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

Thousands of gun owners in Western Visayas failed to renew their firearms, leading to the proliferation of “loose guns.”

Data from the Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU)-6 indicated that 28,794 firearms in the region have expired registrations and permits.

Based on the baseline data, there are around 43,000 firearm holders all over the region.

Colonel Eduardo Abaday, RCSU-6 chief, said a number of firearm holders failed to renew their license based on standards and requisites mandated by Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).

RA 10591 sets the qualification on civilian ownership of firearms in the country.

Most of these loose firearms are in Iloilo province with 6,307.

Not far behind is Negros Occidental with 5,689; Iloilo City with 4,692; Bacolod City with 4,645; Capiz with 3,389; Aklan with 1,774; Antique with 1,748; and Guimaras with 540.

Most of the 28,000 loose firearms have remained unrenewed while some were either deposited, declared lost, or sold.

Some owners surrendered their guns to the police whole others denied ownership or are considered as fictitious persons.

Other gun owners either transferred their residence, died, or have uncertain addresses.

Some gun holders are classified as custodia legis or “in the custody of the law.”

Most of these firearm owners who failed to renew their firearms have been subjected to “tokhang” after police visited and informed them to renew their licenses.

Some cited several reasons why they have yet to process their renewal like the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is the reason why RCSU-6 again launched its caravan to give chance to firearm holders to renew their License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and their gun registrations.

The caravan will be held April 1 and 2, 2022 at SM City Iloilo in Mandurriao, Iloilo from mall opening until 5 p.m.

Abaday said applicants should first create an FEO account (www.feo-system.com) where their records and submitted documents will be stored.

For new LTOPF applicants, the requirements include:

1. Filled-up application forms (1 piece); extra copy for notarial purpose
2. Photocopy of two valid government-issued identification cards/Senior Citizen ID;
3. Original copy of gun safety seminar certificate;
4. Original birth certificate issued by PSA or by the local civil registrar;
5. National Police Clearance;
6. Original proof of latest billing of barangay clearance;
7. Proof of income;
8. Original neuro-psychiatric examination result from the PNP Health Service;
9. Drug test examination;
10. Original local police clearance or DI or RID clearance with receipts.

After completing all the requirements needed, applicants must upload scanned copies of their documents to their FEO account.

They should wait for 2 to 3 days for the appearance of the reference number/code.

Abaday noted that the appearance of reference number/bar code is an indication of approval.

Applicants could then proceed to Landbank of any other available mode of payments like GCash and at 7-Eleven.

If payment is completed, they could now set an appointment using their FEO account and upload the oncall slip, then click and choose a preferred date in going to RCSU-6 for the releasing of LTOPF and firearm license card.

Abaday said they should bring with them the copies of LTOPF and firearm requirements with receipt to be submitted prior to the release of license.

For LTOPF renewals, the applicant should bring a valid government-issued ID and National Police Clearance. They can undergo neuro-psychiatric and drug tests and pay for the renewal fees at the caravan area.