PNP slammed for allowing civilians to own semi-auto rifles

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SENATORS yesterday lashed out at the PNP for allowing civilians to own semi-automatic rifles after it amended the implementing rules and regulations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Senate deputy minority leader Risa Hontiveros said there is a need to review gun ownership in the country “in this time of rampant killings and conflict,” adding that “we need stronger regulations against the proliferation of firearms in our streets.”

“We must address the broken provisions of the law which currently enable certain persons to own many high-powered firearms. We need to amend Sec. 9 Article III of Republic Act 10591 — which allows so-called ‘gun collectors’ to amass more than 15 firearms without much explicit restrictions — and move in the direction of tighter, not looser, gun control,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

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She said allowing civilians to own those types of firearms might result in the “rise in political killings and warlordism in our country.”

Sen. Imee Marcos said the PNP is “shooting itself in the foot” as she feared a rise in criminality. Terrorism, arms smuggling, and widespread violence” as the 2025 midterm elections near.

“The PNP is shooting itself in the foot and compromising law enforcement efficiency and above all, public safety. Do we want a proliferation of shooting violence like in the US? Who is lobbying for firearms manufacture and imports?” Marcos said.

She added the PNP’s amendments to the IRR will complicate the government’s task of decommissioning rebel firearms.

“When killings occur, penalties for firearm misuse will offer nothing but cold comfort to the families of victims, policemen, soldiers, and civilians included,” she said.

Last Monday, the PNP announced that civilians will now be allowed to own semi-automatic rifles after it made some “minor amendments” to the Firearms Law’s IRR.

PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo said that private citizens can now have licenses for their rifles, especially the 7.62 mm (M14s) below and those guns that are semi-automatic, but not fully automatic.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the PNP should strictly vet who it will allow to own these types of guns as he allayed fears that there will be a rise in criminality by letting private citizens own semi-automatic rifles.

Zubiri, in an interview with the Senate media, said licensed firearms only account for two percent of crimes, while the remaining 98 percent were committed using unlicensed or loose firearms.

“As long as you are a responsible gun owner you will not use it for criminal activities. The PNP should be strict in issuing gun licenses,” Zubiri said.

Sen. Francis Tolentino said while the law allows civilian ownership of semi-automatic rifles, the general concern would be: “Who would want your neighbor to own sub-machineguns?”

“My request is that to go slow, carefully select who can possess. We have so many road rage incidents. Slow down as to peace and order,” Tolentino said.

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