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(NAR) VOL. 29 NO. 1/ JANUARY - MARCH 18

[ PNP MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2017-074, January 04, 2018 ]

AUTHORITY TO ISSUE PERMIT TO TRANSPORT FIREARMS, FIREARMS PARTS, ACCESSORIES AND AMMUNITION (PTTFA)



Adopted: 26 December 2017
Date Filed: 04 January 2018


1.     REFERENCES:
a.     Section  3 (z),  Article  1 of R.A.  No.  10591  (Comprehensive  Firearms  and
Ammunition Regulation Act of 2013);
b.     Section 3.55, Rule 1 of the IRR of R.A. No. 10591;
c.     Section 44, IRR of R.A. No. 10591
d.     Section 35 (a) (6) of R.A. No 6975 (The DILG Act of 1991);
e.     NAPOLCOM Resolution No. 2016-247;
f.     Presidential  directive  No. 2017-0189  re “Regulating  the Selling  of Firearm
Bullets;
g.     D, LS Memorandum dated April 24, 2017;
h.     PRRD’s  Directive  on  streamlining  licenses  and  permits  processes  in  all government offices; and
i.     Approved  Revision  of  Fees  Committee  Resolution  dated  September  14,
2014.
2.     BACKGROUND:

A  Permit  to  Transport  Firearm  refers  to  a  written  authority  issued  to  a licensed citizen or entity by the Chief of the PNP or by a Regional Director which entitles such person or entity to transport a particular firearm, firearms parts, accessories,  and ammunition  from and to a specific location within the duration and purpose in the authority. While the said permit mainly involves transport of firearms, the Chief, PNP has the authority to promulgate policies and guidelines for the effective implementation  of the Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) of R.A. No 10591.

The transport of firearms, firearms parts, accessories, and ammunition is an essential  and  vital  activity  within  the  firearms  industry,  thus,  the  need  for the issuance of Permit to Transport. Having been classified as regulated items, the transport thereof must be properly supervised, monitored, and recorded.

Whether applied for by, and issued in favor of, an individual or juridical entity, a PTTFA is patently a separate and distinct permit as contradistinguished  with a Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR). The transport thereof is limited  and confined  to pre-determined  routes  (point  of origin  and destination) and fixed dates.

Relatedly, the Philippine National Police (PNP), through the Firearms and Explosives  Office  (FEO),  has  been  mandated  by  Republic  Act  No.  10591, otherwise known as “The Comprehensive  Law on Firearms and Ammunition and Providing  Penalties  for  Violations  Thereof”  and  it’s  IRR  to  issue  permit  to transport firearms, firearms parts, accessories, and ammunition. In the effort to streamline  the issuance  of PTTFA  in the Regions,  the authority  to issue  said permit  had  been  delegated  to  the  Chief,  Regional  Civil  Security  Unit  (Chief, RCSU) within his AOR only pursuant to NAPOLCOM Resolution No. 2016-247 “Activation   of  Regional  Civil  Security  Units”.  This  set-up,  however,  fails  to address a situation wherein firearms are transported from one region to another since  the  authority  of  the  C,  RCSU  or  even  the  Regional  Director,  Police Regional Offices (RD, PRO) is coextensive with his territorial jurisdiction.

3.     PURPOSE:

This PNP Memorandum Circular (MC) prescribes the guidelines, rules and regulations in the application, processing, approval, and issuance of Permit To Transport Firearms, firearms parts, accessories and ammunition (PTTFA) to: (1) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), PNP, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) as to their personal firearms; (2) Manufacturers and Dealers; (3) Private Security Agencies, Company Security Units, Private Detective Agencies, and Accredited Armored  Vehicle  Security  Providers;  and  (4)  individuals  who  opt  to surrender/deposit their firearm to the PNP.

4.     DEFINITION OF TERMS:
a.     Permit to Transport firearm - refers to a written authority issued to a licensed citizen  or entity  by the Chief  of the PNP  or by a Regional  Director  which entitles such person or entity to transport a particular firearm from and to a specific location within the duration and purpose in the authority.
b.     Permit to Carry Firearm Outside of Residence - is a written authority issued
to a licensed citizen by the Chief of the PNP which entitles such person to carry his/her registered or lawfully issued firearm outside of the residence for the duration and purpose specified in the authority.
c.     Residence - refers to the place or places of abode of the licensed citizen as indicated in his/her license.
d.     Point  of  Origin  -  the  exact  address/location  where  the  firearms,  firearms parts, accessories, and ammunition will emanate.
e.     Point of Destination - the exact address/location where the firearms, firearms parts, accessories and ammunition will be transported/brought to/delivered.
f.     Fixed  Date  -  refers  to  the  inclusive  date  or  duration  of  the  transport  of firearms,  firearms  parts,  accessories,  and  ammunition  regardless  of  the means of transport. The period given is not subject to extension.
5.     GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES:
a.     AFP, PNP, LEAs as to their personal firearms:

1)   Submit requirements in white folder;

2)   Briefer  reviews  and evaluates  application  folder. If the requirements  in the applications are complete, authentic and valid, briefer issues a commitment  slip  which  should  indicate  a  release  date  not  exceeding three working days which must be reckoned the day after the application is filed and accepted. Otherwise, a request for compliance shall be duly indicated in the action slip, a copy thereof shall be provided the applicant at his expense;

3)   The applicant/authorized  representative shall claim the approved PTTFA on the release date reflected in the commitment slip. In the event that he is unable to do so, he may be represented provided that the individual claiming PTTFA on his/her behalf, must be able to present proof of identification; otherwise the PTTFA will not be released; and
4)   If the applicant/authorized  representative  fail to claim the PTTFA on the release date, for whatever ground/reason,  he shall be required to apply for a new one.
b.     Manufacturers and Dealers:
1)    Submit requirements in green folder;

2)    Briefer  reviews  and evaluates  application  folder. If the requirements  in the  applications  are  complete,  authentic  and  valid,  briefer  issues  a commitment  slip  which  should  indicate  a  release  date  not  exceeding three working days which must be reckoned the day after the application is filed and accepted. Otherwise, a request for compliance shall be duly indicated in the action slip, a copy thereof shall be provided the applicant at his expense;

3)    Applications for ten or more firearms must also be submitted in soft copy and  contained  in  either  CD/DVD/USB  device.  The  contents  of  such device shall be subjected to mandatory verification and validation prior to its acceptance and the issuance of corresponding commitment slip;
4)    The applicant/authorized  representative shall claim the approved PTTFA on the release date reflected in the commitment slip. In the event that he is unable to do so, he may be represented  provided that the individual claiming  PTTFA  on  his/her  behalf,  must  be  able  to  present  proof  of identification; otherwise the PTTFA will not be released; and

5)    If the applicant/authorized  representative fails to claim the PTTFA on the
release date, for whatever ground/reason,  he shall be required to apply for a new one.
c.     Private   Security   Agencies,   Company   Security   Units,   Private   Detective Agencies, Accredited Armored Vehicle Security Providers:
1)   Submit requirements in blue folder;

2)   Briefer  reviews  and evaluates  application  folder. If the requirements  in the applications are complete, authentic and valid, briefer issues a commitment  slip  which  should  indicate  a  release  date  not  exceeding three working days which must be reckoned the day after the application is filed and accepted. Otherwise, a request for compliance shall be duly indicated in the action slip, a copy thereof shall be provided the applicant at his expense;

3)   Applications for ten or more firearms must also be submitted in soft copy and  contained  in  either  CD/DVD/USB  device.  The  contents  of  such device shall be subjected to mandatory verification and validation prior to its acceptance and the issuance of corresponding commitment slip;

4)   The applicant/authorized  representative shall claim the approved PTTFA on the release date reflected in the commitment slip. In the event that he is unable to do so, he may be represented provided that the individual claiming PTTFA on his/her behalf, must be able to present proof of identification; otherwise the PTTFA will not be released; and

5)   If the applicant/authorized  representative  fail to claim the PTTFA on the release date, for whatever ground/reason,  he shall be required to apply for a new one.
d.     Individuals who opt to surrender/deposit their firearm to the PNP:
1)   Submit requirements in brown folder;

2)   Briefer  reviews  and evaluates  application  folder. If the requirements  in the applications are complete, authentic and valid, briefer issues a commitment  slip  which  should  indicate  a  release  date  not  exceeding three working days which must be reckoned the day after the application is filed and accepted. Otherwise, a request for compliance shall be duly indicated in the action slip, a copy thereof shall be provided the applicant at his expense;

3)   The applicant/authorized  representative shall claim the approved PTTFA on the release date reflected in the commitment slip. In the event that he is unable to do so he may be represented provided that the individual claiming PTTFA on his/her behalf, must be able to present proof of identification; otherwise the PTTFA will not be released; and

4)   If the applicant/authorized  representative fails to claim the PTTFA on the release date, for whatever ground/reason,  he shall be required to apply for a new one.
e.     Any person arriving from abroad whether a Filipino citizen, diplomat/foreign dignitary/ies and/or his/their security agent/s, foreign sports shooter, member of  Visiting   Forces   pursuant   to  the   existing   policy   on   Visiting   Forces Agreement (VFA) , is required to secure a PTTFA subject to the procedures and requirements provided for by R.A. No. 10591 and its Revised IRR.

f.     Pre-determined routes (point of origin and destination) and fixed dates:
1)   As a general rule, a PTTFA is valid for a minimum of 72 hours or three calendar days to a maximum of fifteen calendar days subject to the provisions of this MC. It is mandatory for the applicant/authorized representative to disclose the places/location that will be traversed by the route for the PTTFA as well as the estimated time/duration of travel from point of origin to destination. If necessary, the travel/transport route must be  detailed  and  specific  enough  to  guide/aid   the  PROs/RCSUs   in allocating  the maximum  allowable  duration  to be reflected/indicated  in the PTTFA;

2)   No sudden changes of destination shall be allowed; and

3)   No route diversion shall be allowed.
g.     Validity of PTTFA:
1)   Not valid if with erasures or alterations;
2)   Not valid without dry seal and stamp of the issuing Office/Unit;
3)   Not valid without stamped date of validity;
4)   No amendment/extension  of validity shall be allowed;
5)   No recycling/re-use  of Special  Bank  Receipt  (SBR)/Proof  of Payment;
and
6) If PTTFA is already issued/released to the applicant/authorized representative, and the same is not used during its validity period, for whatever ground or reason, the applicant shall be required to apply for new one.
h.     Conditions, Restrictions, and Prohibitions:

The  rationale  behind  the  monitoring  and  supervision  of  the  transport  of firearms is public safety. While in transit, firearms should be transported in a manner  that is safe, secure and concealed.  However,  for many years, the FEO has been saddled with numerous reports of loss of firearms, whether individual or juridical, during transport or while in transit. This has effectively compromised the integrity of the regulation of firearms and the propensity to escape  or evade liability.  There also exists the malpractice  of transporting firearms  by  PSAs  using  privately-owned   and  unmarked   vehicles  which makes  detection  or  apprehension   virtually  impossible.   This  is notwithstanding  the  prevalence  of  PSAs  neglecting/overlooking  or deliberately   refusing  to  apply  for  and  when  granted,  use,  a  Permit  to Transport  Firearm  and  Ammunition  issued  by  the  PNP  through  the  FEO. Hence, the regulatory intervention for this situation does not only ensure the safe transport of regulated items but also to ensure the certainty and identifiability of those who are responsible for the safe and secure transport of the same.

The following guidelines shall be strictly observed in the transport of firearms:

1)   The   firearms,   firearms   parts,   accessories,   and   ammunition   to   be transported shall be properly wrapped and labeled with the name and address of the licensee;

2)   The  firearms,  firearms  parts,  accessories,  and  ammunition  must  be secured in two separate cases/boxes and further kept in two separate places (the trunk compartment and glove compartment).  If the firearm is to be test fired, it should be unloaded;

3)   If the firearms to be transported is ten or more small arms or at least one light weapon, it must be escorted by at least two Security Guards who should have a valid License to Exercise Security Profession (LESP) and must be with Special Duty Detail Order (SDDO) for the purpose;

4)  Transport/movement of ammunition of calibers 5.56 and 7.62 for local shooting  competition  shall  be escorted  by PNP  personnel  from Inspection & Enforcement Section, Education and Enforcement Management Division (I&E Section, EEMD)/RCSU;

5)   PTTFA for firearms intended for international  shooting competition  shall be issued only by FEO. If the firearms to be transported  is ten or more small arms, or at least five small arm rifles, the same shall be escorted, in and out of the country, by at least one PNP personnel from FEO.

6)   The PTTFA  is not valid for ammunition  such as caliber  5.56 and 7.62 pursuant   to  the  Presidential   Directive   No.  2017-0189   with   subject Regulating the Selling of Firearms Bullets dated April 3, 2017 except for acquisition and/or use of AFP, PNP, and other LEAs;
7)   The  PTTFA  is  non-transferrable,   valid  for  one  way-trip  only,  and  is subject to the existing firearms laws, rules, and regulations; and

8)  PTTFA for juridical entities, particularly for private security agencies is required,  but  not  limited  to,  the  following  instances:  posting,  routine rotation, firearms replace, firearms repair.

i.     Responsibilities a)   TDC:
1)     Responsible  in the issuance  of Fiscal Directive  for the payment  of
PTTFA thru Regional Finance Service Office (RFSO); and
2)     Perform other tasks as directed.
b)   ROs PROs 1-13, ARMM & COR:
1)     Responsible in the approval/disapproval  of PTTFA;

2)     Directs PPOs,CPOs,CPS  & MPS in their respective AOR to monitor the movement/transport  of firearms, firearms parts, accessories, and ammunition;

3)     If the movement/transport  of firearms,  firearms  parts, accessories, and ammunition transcends from one Region to another, the PTTFA will be issued by the RD where the regulated items originated; and

4)     Perform other tasks as directed
c)   RCSU:
1)     Responsible in the acceptance, evaluation, processing and approval of all PTTFA applications within the same Region;
2)     Responsible    in   the   acceptance,    evaluation,    processing    and endorsement of all PTTFA applications intended from one Region to another;
3)     Responsible in issuing Order of Payment to PTTFA applicants; and
4)     Perform other tasks as directed.
d)   RFSO:
1)     Accept  all  payments  for  PTTFA,  issue  the  corresponding  Official Receipt (OR) and report the same using the appropriate account numbers/code  as part of the Trust  Receipts  Funds  in accordance with government accounting and auditing rules and regulations; and

2)     Perform other tasks as directed.
e)   RSAO:

1)     Responsible  in receiving,  accounting  and recording  of all firearms surrendered or deposited for safekeeping;
2)     Responsible in the issuance of turn-in slip/acknowledgement  receipt to the surrenderee/depositor;  and
3)     Perform other tasks as directed.

6.     REQUIREMENTS FOR PTTFA:

a)   AFP, PNP, LEAs as to their personal firearms:
1)   Letter Request  which must include  the pre-determined  routes (point of origin and destination) and fixed dates;
2)   Certificate of License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF);
3)   Certificate of Firearms Registration or Firearms License; and
4)   Special Bank Receipt or Official Receipt issued by RFSO- PhP200.00
b)   Juridical Entities (Manufacturer, Dealer):
1)   Letter Request  which must include  the pre-determined  routes (point of origin and destination) and fixed dates;
2)   License to Deal/ License to Manufacture;
3)   Board Resolution for Authorized Representative:
4)   Valid ID of Authorized Representative; and
5)   Special Bank Receipt or Official Receipt issued by RFSO - PhP200.00.
c)     Juridical   Entities   (Private   Security   Agencies,   Company   Security   Units, Private Detective Agencies, and Accredited Armored Vehicle Security Providers):
1)   Letter Request  which must include  the pre-determined  routes (point of origin and destination) and fixed dates;
2)   License to Operate from SOSIA/Accreditation  for Armored Vehicle from
SOSIA;
3)   Copy of Certificate of Long Regular Registration (LRR);
4)   Board Resolution for Authorized Applicant;
5)   Valid ID of Authorized Applicant;
6)   Copy of Certificate  of Juridical  LTOPF  under the name of the Agency;
and
7)   Special Bank Receipt or Official Receipt issued by RFSO - PhP200.00.
d)   Individuals who opt to surrender/deposit their firearm to the PNP:
1)   Letter Request  which must include  the pre-determined  routes (point of origin and destination) and fixed dates;
2)   Certificate   of  License   to  Own  and  Possess   Firearms   (LTOPF)   as
applicable/as appropriate;
3)   Certificate of Firearms Registration or Firearms License as applicable/as appropriate; and
4)   Special Bank Receipt or Official Receipt issued by RFSO - P200.00.
e)   Person arriving in the Philippines who is a sports shooter in his/her country of origin, his/her licensed/registered firearm/s and/or ammunition shall secure Permit to Transport to the PNP-FEO with the following requirements:
1)   Letter Request addressed to the CPNP (Attn: C. FEO);
2)   Photocopy of the Passport;
3)   Firearm license/Registration  issued by the country of origin; and
4)   Invitation from the Host Gun Club/Association.
f)     Person  arriving  in  the  Philippines  who  is  a diplomat/foreign  dignitaries  or security  force  of  the  diplomats/ambassador   with  licensed  firearms  from country of origin shall secure Permit to Transport to the PNP-FEO with the following requirements:
1)   Letter Endorsement from Department of Foreign Affairs;
2)   Endorsement  from Foreign  Liaison  Division,  Directorate  for Intelligence
(FLD, DI); and
3)   List of Personnel, Firearms and Ammunition.
7.     APPROVAL   OF   PERMIT   TO   TRANSPORT   FIREARMS,   FIREARMS PARTS, ACCESSORIES, AND AMMUNITION (PTTFA):

All applications for PTTFA to be transported within the same Region shall be approved/disapproved  by the C, RCSU.

All  applications  for  PTTFA  involving  firearms,  ammunition,  firearms  parts, and  accessories   to  be  transported   from  one  Region   to  another   shall  be processed and endorsed by the C, RCSU and approved/disapproved  by the RD. PRO where the said items originated without passing through the Regional Staff

and the Command Group. Provided, the Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRDO)  of the PRO of origin shall be subsequently  notified  by the concerned RCSU. Applications for PTTFA at the National Capital Region shall be processed and endorsed  by the Chief, Education  and Enforcement  Management  Division and approved/disapproved  by the C, FEO.

All  applications  for  PTTFA  involving  firearms,  ammunition,  firearms  parts, and  accessories  carried  by  Sports  Shooter  to  be  transported  from airport/seaports  shall  be  endorsed  by  the  Host  Gun  Club/Association  to  the Chief, Education and Enforcement Management Division for the approval/ disapproval of the Chief, FEO.

All  applications  for  PTTFA  involving  firearms,  ammunition,  firearms  parts, and accessories carried by diplomats/foreign dignitaries or security force of the diplomats/ambassador  to be transported from airport/seaports  shall be endorsed by Foreign Liaison Division,  Directorate  for Intelligence  to the Chief, Education and Enforcement Management Division for the approval/disapproval  of the Chief, FEO.

8.    PENALTY CLAUSE:

Without prejudice to the filing of appropriate criminal action, violation of any of the provisions of this MC shall subject the applicant/authorized  representative and/or the owner or proprietor/Chairman  of the Board/President  to administrative sanction as well as the suspension/cancellation  or revocation of License/ Accreditation of the juridical entity, subject to the due process requirements.

9.    EFFECTIVITY:


This MC shall take effect after 15 days from filing a copy thereof at the UP Law Center in consonance with Section 3, Chapter 2 Book VII of Executive Order
292 otherwise known as the “Revised Administrative Code of 1987” as amended.

(SGD) RONALD M. DELA ROSA
Police Director General Chief, PNP

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