Expect a more vibrant and progressive firearms industry in the future as the government promises to impose much lenient rules and regulations for responsible gun owners and members of the Philippine shooting team.
‘We’re up against loose firearms but sadly, yung mga responsableng mamamayan na may-ari ng legal na mga baril ang napapahirapan dahil sa istriktong mga panuntunan. Babaguhin po natin ang sitwasyon para naman mas maenganyo ang ating mga kababayan na iparehistro at palesensyahan ang kanilang mga baril upang mabantayan at mairecord sa Philippine National Police,” said newly appointed National Police Commission (Napolcom) Commissioner Atty. Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan.
“Tulad po ninyo ako rin po ay isang simpleng mamamayan na responsableng gun owner. Nakita natin yung mga regulasyon sa kasalukuyan na medyo taliwas sa ating hangarin na malabanan ang pagdami ng loose firearms,” added Calinisan in a media interview during the opening rites of the 31st Defense and Sporting Arms Show on Wednesday at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary for Peace and Order Nestor Sanares, representatives from the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines, and officials from the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines, Inc. (AFAD), led by President Edwin Lim and Spokesperson Alaric ‘Aric’ Topacio, joined Calinisan in the program.
Calinisan’s pronouncement agrees with the recent passing in Congress of the bill amending Republic Act 10591 (An Act Providing For A Comprehensive Law of Firearms and Ammunition and Providing Penalties for Violation Thereof).
Under the amended bill already transmitted to the Senate, from the previous ammunition purchase limits of only 50 rounds, non-sports shooters can now enjoy 500 rounds, while members of the Philippine Shooting Team (rifle, pistols, shotgun, and practical shooting) are now reloaded with up to 5,000 rounds to use for intensive training and competitions.
Now, lawfully registered persons can receive Permits to Carry (PTC), allowing sports shooters up to three guns and each non-shooter one. The government can now fast-track permit and license processing, extending the validity of PTCs from 5 to 10 years and firearms business licenses from 5 to 10 years, in line with the Ease of Doing Business Act (RA 11032). The amended bill also shortened the gun ban from 6 months to only 45 days before and 5 days after the election day.
“We’re very thankful to all lawmakers for the support. It’s a huge boost to the industry and a big help to members of the Philippine team hoping to sustain the momentum of their recent achievements in the world shooting in the Czech Republic,” said AFAD president Edwin Lim, who is also serving as head of the Philippine Practical Shooting Championships.
For his part, Topacio invited all shooting enthusiasts and athletes to visit the five-day event, which runs until July 27, offering world-class locally and imported firearms and equipment. The event also featured the usual seminars and educational workshops regarding the basic handling of firearms, proper cleaning, and storage.
“The event also offers services for newbie gun owners on their application for Individual License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and Firearm Registration (FR),” added Topacio.
