PRO-6 calls for renewal of gun licenses
There are about 29,440 firearms with expired licenses in Western Visayas. Or so the records of Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed.
The number is part of the estimated 500,000 firearms with expired licenses nationwide as earlier revealed by PNP Chief, Director General Jesus Versoza.
These firearms may be in the hands of civilians, government employees, police officers, or members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Police Chief Inspector Lope Manlapaz, Chief of Firearms, Explosives, Security Agencies and Guards Supervision Section (FESAGSS), of Police Regional Office 6 said that a directive from PNP National Headquarters calls for the immediate action regarding the expired licenses of these firearms.
“We will be sending communication to owners of these firearms, reminding them to renew the licenses of their guns,” Manlapaz said.
The PNP, by sending letters to gun owners, will also be inquiring as to the status of these firearms. “We want to know if they still have in their possession the firearm/s or not,” he added.
The firearm license renewal fees ranged roughly from P2,500 to P3,700, inclusive of surcharges, depending on the caliber. The higher the caliber, the higher the fees.
“The expired gun license stripped its owners of the privilege of possessing the firearm/s,” Manlapaz explained.
The PNP sends out this call to help gun owners avoid more inconvenience resulting to the possession of guns with expired license. (POIII Francisco B Lindero, Jr)