Raffy Tulfo wants review of gun ownership law

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Senator Raffy Tulfo on Monday called for a review of the country’s gun ownership laws after learning during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte that an individual may own an "unlimited" number of firearms for as long as they meet certain conditions.

Tulfo raised the issue after prosecution witness Police Major Jerickson Sangalang, chief of the Records Division of the Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO), testified that at least 22 firearms, including a shotgun and five rifles, are registered under the names of Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio.

Sangalang gave the information during his testimony on the 30th day of the impeachment trial.

“Nagtataka lang ako. Hindi ko alam na puwede pala mag-own ng as many firearms as you can. Ang isang tao puwede na magtayo ng private army, puwede na magtayo ng isang army na lalabanan ang gobyerno,” Tulfo said.

(I was puzzled. I didn't know that such is allowed. One person can build a private army, even an army that could fight the government.)

“You can apparently own as many as one wants, up to 50, 60, 70, 100... Apparently, you’re allowed to do that. I didn’t know that. I thought there was a limit, certain limits [on guns] that you can own, especially high-powered firearms,” he added.

Tulfo said Congress should review the existing firearms laws to determine whether a limit should be imposed on the number of guns an individual may own.

“Whether you are a collector or not, there should be a certain number of guns that you are allowed to own,” Tulfo said.

Sangalang said there is no limit to the number of firearms a person may own as long as certain requirements are met.

“As long as they do not fall under Class A-type weapons, they may own them, provided they have an LTOPF Type 5 license. There is no limitation, as long as the firearms are properly registered,” Sangalang said, referring to the License to Own and Possess Firearms.

Under Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, Class A light weapons include self-loading pistols, rifles and carbines, submachine guns, assault rifles, and light machine guns that meet the law's specified characteristics.— MCG, GMA News