PNP Accounts for 20% of High-Risk Gun Owners

The Philippine National Police has accounted for 20 percent of high-risk gun holders with a Type 5 license in an ongoing nationwide inspection of firearms, according to the PNP-Civil Security Group.

- By MARK ERNEST VILLEZA

PNP-CSG spokesman Lt. Col. Eudisan Gultiano yesterday said that of the 2,213 identified Type 5 licensed firearms, mostly owned by "very important persons" or high-profile people, the PNP was able to inspect 406 within the past two months.

The inspection aims to ensure compliance with Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. It is also part of security preparations for the May elections.

Gun owners with Type 5 license are allowed to acquire, own and possess more than 15 firearms.

Gultiano said the PNP has identified over 8,000 registered firearms under the Type 5 license. More than 6,000 of these firearms are valid and 800 have expired licenses.