In a significant move to address the management and disposition of Confiscated, Captured, Surrendered, and Recovered (CCSR) firearms and ammunition of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), an amendment has been made to certain provisions of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10591. This amendment aims to ensure that these firearms are handled in line with forensic and reportorial requirements.
The inception of this reform traces back to the enactment of RA No. 10591, commonly known as the “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act,” on May 29, 2013. Subsequently, the RIRR of RA No. 10591 officially came into effect on May 9, 2018.
Under Section 37 of the Revised IRR of RA No. 10591, a mandate was established that firearms seized through confiscation, forfeiture, abandonment, or surrender must be duly reported and turned over to the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) for proper handling.
Recognizing the need for collaboration, the AFP, through its Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC) Logistics Cell, initiated discussions with the Philippine National Police (PNP) concerning the proposal for managing and disposing of its CCSR firearms. Consequently, the AFP, through its J4 unit, officially appealed that CCSR firearms under their jurisdiction not handed over to the PNP should remain within their purview for management and disposition.
Therefore, the Chief, Philippine National Police, utilizing his rule-making authority, has issued the following amendments:
1. Amendment to Section 3.14 of the 2018 Revised IRR of RA No. 10591, expanding the definition of confiscated firearms to include those captured, confiscated, surrendered, and recovered by the AFP.
2. Revision of Section 37.1.1 to allow the AFP to manage and dispose of firearms and ammunition captured, confiscated, surrendered, and recovered by them.
3. Further amendment to Section 42.1, designating the AFP to handle the management and disposition of CCSR firearms and ammunition, subject to compliance with forensic procedures and submission of requisite reports to the FEO.
4. Inclusion of Section 42.4, emphasizing coordination between the AFP and PNP Forensic Group for the management and disposal of CCSR firearms and ammunition as per established guidelines.
Moreover, coordination between the AFP and PNP Forensic Group has been emphasized in Section 42.4, outlining guidelines for managing and disposing of CCSR firearms and ammunition.
These amendatory rules are set to take effect 15 days after their publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation, ensuring transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Signed by Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Chief, PNP, this amendment signifies a crucial step towards streamlining the processes related to firearm management within the AFP, safeguarding accountability and adherence to established guidelines.
