Executive Order No. 171




MALACAÑAN PALACE MANILA BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES [ EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 171, January 22, 2003 ] PROVIDING FOR THE SURRENDER AND LICENSING OF LOOSE FIREARMS AND THE UTILIZATION OF FUNDS FROM THE PROCEEDS THEREOF WHEREAS, a number of Firearms with licenses which were not re-registered under Presidential National Emergency Proclamation Order No. 6 (PNEMO No. 6) dated January 4, 1980 were cancelled; WHEREAS, despite the issuance of Executive Orders No. 107, 122, 122-A and 122-B, an estimated 350,000 loose firearms remain to be accounted and licensed; WHEREAS, it is consistent with the national interest that these loose firearms be submitted for licensing and the holders of loose firearms be encouraged and given an opportunity to obtain the required firearm license; WHEREAS, the submission and subsequent registration of loose firearms will undoubtedly increase the PNP Firearm Ballistics Data Bank and consequently, widen its capabilities to investigate crimes committed with the use of firearms; WHEREAS, the Philippine National Police, as the primary law-enforcement arm of the government, lacks the required technology to efficiently make use of the Firearm Ballistics Data Bank to support its investigative missions and functions; WHEREAS, the purpose of the registration and licensing of loose firearms will be accomplished if the appropriate technology and resources are made available to exploit the Firearm Ballistics Data Bank; WHEREAS, it is the policy of the State to encourage the use of IT resources by governmental entities and offices in the delivery of services to the public. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order: Section 1. Any person who possesses loose firearms may surrender same to the Philippine National Police for custody and apply for the corresponding license as required by existing laws within one (1) year from the effectivity of this order. Concerned holders of said firearms might avail of this amnesty only within the period. Each firearm submitted for licensing shall have its own distinct firearm description.ᇈWᑭHIL Section 2. As a general rule, high-powered rifles/paltik firearms may not be allowed for licensing. However, the Chief, PNP may allow the licensing of some high-powered firearms. Those who will surrender same will not be prosecuted for illegal possession of firearm while in the act of surrendering the said firearms. Section 3. An amnesty fee of Three Thousand Pesos (P3.000.00) for High Powered Firearms and Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00) for Low Powered Firearms, shall be collected for each firearm registered. Section 4. Fees collected in Section 3, thereof, shall be treated as a Trust Liability and deposited in a Special Account in an Authorized Government Depository Bank (AGDB) to support the nation-wide implementation of the Firearms Information Management System (FIMS), Firearms Records Management System and the Firearms Ballistics Information System in that priority and, any unexpended balance therefrom, shall be reverted to the General Fund. Section 5. The Firearms and Explosive Division (FED), Civil Security Group (CSG), and the Regional Offices of the PNP involved in the processing and registration of loose firearms shall retain 20% of the gross proceeds of the collections to support their respective direct costs of licensing operation. Section 6. The CPNP shall issue such Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) that will effectively carryout the provisions of this Executive Order subject to the approval/concurrence of the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG). Section 7. All orders, issuances, rules and regulations or part thereof inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. Section 8. This order shall take effect immediately. Done in the City of Manila, this 22nd day of January, in the year of Our Lord, two thousand three. (Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO By the President: (Sgd.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO Executive Secretary The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation