A TWO-DAY caravan to process License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) kicked off here Wednesday as part of the Philippine National Police (PNP) efforts to bring its services closer to the people.
Spearheaded by the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO), in collaboration with Aurora Provincial Police Office (APPO) and the provincial government, the caravan is being conducted at the firing range of Camp Captain Victor Ravina in Barangay Sabang.
Police Colonel Engelbert Z. Soriano, APPO provincial director, is inviting firearms holders with expired licenses, and interested private individuals who want to have their own firearms for protection to apply first for the LTOPF, which is a prerequisite for the registration of firearms.
Under the new gun control law, all firearm owners – even those with current gun licenses – are required to first obtain an LTOPF, which is similar to a driver’s license, before they can own a gun.
“Likewise part of the caravan is the conduct of gun safety and responsible gun ownership seminar for the information of gun holders and other applicants,” Soriano said.
He advised gun owners to secure the necessary requirements such as birth certificate, two government-issued identification (ID) cards, company ID, proof of latest billing, clearances from Regional and Municipal Trial Court or Sandiganbayan, certificate of employment and Income Tax Return (ITR).
Additional requirements for businessmen include business permit, appointment order or oath of office for government employees, and retirement order or retirement certificate from previous work for retired private and government employee.
“The gun owners who wish to apply for Permit To Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) are required to comply first the LTOPF and should follow the steps for availing the LTOFP in the caravan flowchart,” he said.
Soriano noted that there are 973 registered gun owners in this province.
“We are also encouraging all firearm holders without license or with expired license to avail of the LTOPF caravan,” he added.(By Jason De Asis)
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