House to probe PNP gun licensing process

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- The Philippine National Police welcomed the investigation of the House of Representatives on the process of firearms licensing, saying it would cooperate fully on inquiry by Lower House.

 The House committee on public order and safety is set to conduct an inquiry into the move of the PNP to centralize processing of firearms licenses in Camp Crame, which allegedly would benefit a private courier company.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez filed a resolution seeking investigation on decision of the PNP leadership to centralize firearms licensing process.

Moreover, Negros Occidental Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer, chairman of the committee on public order and safety, said that the PNP has bungled the drafting of the implementing rules and regulation (IRR) of the Republic Act 10591 and even though the Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the centralization of the gun licensing procedures and the PNP has reopened its regional offices, people would still have to go to Camp Crame for their firearms license approval.

 The PNP, in a press statement, disputed allegations that the centralization of firearms licensing was intended to benefit the private courier company.

“The MOA between the PNP and the courier service for firearms licenses was done in an honest and open manner,” the  statement said.” No money was involved in the deal. One of the salient features of the MOA shows that the PNP will allow WERFAST to provide courier services for application and renewal of firearms licenses. WERFAST, on the other hand, shall collect reasonable service fees directly from applicants who avail of the door-to-door service (pick up of documentary requirements and delivery of firearms license).”

 Since the Supreme Court had issued a TRO last April 8, the PNP has reportedly stopped the utilization of courier services in the delivery of firearms license cards.

Cordillera police director Isagani Nerez said here the new firearms licensing process was intended by the PNP as a measure to update and upgrade its database as well as to cleanse its records and remove the prevalence of fixers.

The PRO-COR had processed application of 50 persons who renewed their firearm licenses last January before stop of processing of firearms license in the Firearms and Explosives Office for two months.

The Supreme Court issued TRO for the PNP to continue to accept, process and approve licensing and renewals in the PNP regional offices of which PRO-COR immediately started accepting applicants this month.