PNP to gun owners: Possessing firearms is a privilege

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday reminded gun owners that possessing firearms is a privilege.

“We urge strict compliance with all requirements on safe storage, documentation, and lawful possession. Transparency in firearm ownership is essential not only for accountability but also for public safety,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

“Ownership of firearms is a regulated privilege under the law. Every firearm must be properly licensed, registered, and regularly renewed with the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office,” he added.

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READ: Sara Duterte’s ‘undisclosed’ guns to be taken up in trial

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Nartatez cited “renewed public attention on firearm disclosures involving public officials” but did not cite a specific case.

On Tuesday, however, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon told the Inquirer that Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, has at least 50 firearms that the vice president did not disclose in her statement of assets, liabilities and net worth.

Further, last June 11, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s camp surrendered 20 of his firearms to the Regional Civil Security Unit – Davao Region following the cancellation of his license to own and possess firearms as well as the registration for his 117 guns.

“Unlicensed or improperly documented firearms may result in administrative and criminal liabilities under existing laws,” Nartatez said.

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“Regardless of status or position, all gun owners are subject to the same rules. The PNP enforces firearm laws equally and without exception,” he added.

Duterte faces an impeachment complaint before the Senate acting as an impeachment court over allegations of misuse of public funds, amassing unexplained wealth, bribery and threatening the life of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and some members of his family.

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Meanwhile, dela Rosa is wanted by the International Criminal Court over his alleged participation in then-President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, which killed up to 30,000 people, according to human rights groups. /gsg

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