by Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan, Philippine News Agency | Thursday, 14 July 2016
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday announced the streamlining of the process of renewal of License to Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF).
According to PNP Chief Director General Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa, the number of requirements for the renewal of licenses for guns and firearms is now down to four from the previous 10.
This include neuro psychiatric exam results, police clearance, drug test and court clearances from MTC, RTC and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
”With our streamlining efforts, it is safe to say that LTOPF requirements is now down to four from 10, so yung anim po ay tinanggal na natin at apat na lang ang naiwan,” Del Rosa said during opening ceremonies of 24th Defense & Sporting Arms Show (DSAS) at the MegaTrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.
Dela Rosa joined by other PNP officials in the event, including those from the Civil Service Group (CSG) and Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) which are partners of the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines, Inc. (AFAD) in promoting responsible gun ownership in the country.
The PNP Chief also said that Firearms and Explosives Office (FE) is also accepting renewal of LTOPF and will also issue a commitment slip and to ensure smooth processing of the document.
”I am happy to say that FEO is now accepting the renewal of LTOPF, third as we streamlining the processes , we are further automating our system, parang sa mga bangko na hindi na tayo kailangan pumila, sabi ni President (Duterte), ayaw na ang mga taong nagbabayad pinapahirapan nyo pa. We will now issue commitment slip meaning when he applies for an LTOPF, bibigyan sya ng commitment slip na nagsasaad ilang araw ang processing nito at para di na sya mapagod sa pabalik balik pag nagbigay ka ng commitment at hindi mo natupad commitment mo, dun ka paliwanag sa kanya,” he explained.
Dela Rosa also assured the public that there will be no illegal transactions in FEO.
With this, he advised the public to report any unscrupulous activities in the said office.
“Hindi na mangyayari yun. Siguraduhin natin hindi sila makakalusot dyan. Pero kung meron man, just in case may hocus pocus, present it to me, para may magawa tayo dyan na investigation, kung may complaint kayong narinig paalam niyo sa amin,” he added.
Dela Rosa expressed gratitude to the private sector for its continuous support to the PNP's war against illegal drugs and criminality and for sharing information on responsible ownership.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa AFAD na tumutulong sa PNP sa pagpapalawak ng kaalamn ng mamayan tungkol sa tamang paggamit ng mga firearms at ammunitn at sa mga batas na dapat sundin,” he said.
”This is brought to the fore the important of self defense among our citizens but our citizens must realize that self defense requires more than just possessing firearms to defend oneself or ones family. it takes a good understanding of responsible gun ownership and knowledge of country’s firearms law that must be followed and respected,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dela Rosa said that PNP is now on a full scale war against crime and lawlessness.
”Community to be the eyes and ears of our endeavor, tulungan nyo kami, kung gusto nyo na bumalik na ang kaayusan at kapayapaan sa langsangan. Ipakita natin sa mamasamang loob na mula ngayon wala na silang maggaagwang kalokohan dahil kapit bisig tayo at ng iba pang mamamayan lumabasa kanila,” said Dela Rosa.
”Ipakita natin sa mga drug lords and pushers na tapos na ang negosyo nila dahil pabalik na sa.tamang pamumuhay ang kanilang mga parokyano. at ipakita natin sa mga kriminal na bilang na ang kanilang mga araw dahil puspusan na ang mga police operations laban sa kanila.” (PNA)
