PNP lays down new Airsoft Rules and Regulations
The Philippine National Police (PNP) calls the public, including juridical persons, for the observance of the revised Rules and Regulations that govern the manufacture, dealership, importation, exportation, sale, possession, and carriage of airsoft rifles/pistols and operation of airsoft teams and game sites as contained in PNP Circular No. 11, approved on December 4, 2007.
Unlike the genuine rifle/pistol that propels bullet, airsoft rifle/pistol includes battery operated, spring and gas-powered rifle/pistol, which discharges plastic or rubber pellets only as bullets or ammunition.
To be easily identified as such, owners must paint his or her airsoft rifle/pistol with bright red or orange at the tip of the muzzle. The marking must not be less than 6.35 centimeters in length.
Owners, who must not be younger than 18 years old, must also register their airsoft rifle/pistol in accordance with PNP SOP Number 13 or "Licensing of Firearms".
In cases of transfer of ownership to a qualified citizen, a licensed airsoft rifle/pistol holder shall not transfer physical possession of his or her registered airsoft rifle/pistol until the application for license to possess is approved by Firearms, Explosives Division-Civil Security Group (FED-CSG), Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Application for registration of ownership (or transfer) of airsoft rifle/pistol may be coursed through the Firearms, Explosives, Security Agencies, and Security Guards Supervision Section at Camp Martin Delgado, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City.
To those who want to engage or intend to engage in the import and export of airsoft rifles/pistols, they need to secure first the corresponding permit from the FED-CSG prior the actual importation and exportation of said items.
And, those who plan to establish an airsoft game site, the concerns must request in writing with the Chief of Police, who has jurisdiction over the said area, for the conduct of any war game, simulation, shooting competition or exhibition of airsoft rifles/pistols.
As regards to the airsoft teams, each team must have a minimum of ten registered owners of airsoft rifle/pistol, a permanent address, a president, and abide by the Code of Conduct, Safety, and Rules of Engagement for Games formulated by the Airsoft Association of the Philippines. (POI Jeramae C Rio)