Active police officers and soldiers are now exempt from undergoing drug tests, as well as psychological and psychiatric evaluations, when applying for firearm licenses, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In an interview with reporters on Thursday, Police Lieutenant Colonel Eudisan Gultiano, spokesperson for the PNP Civil Security Group (CSG), confirmed that PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil has issued a memorandum exempting active personnel from these evaluation requirements when applying for gun permits.
Mga aktibong pulis, sundalo ‘exempted’ na sa pagkuha ng drug test, psychological at psychiatric tests para sa lisensya sa baril
— Edniel Parrosa (@ednielparrosa) August 15, 2024
Paliwanag ng PNP Civil Security Group, sapat na ang ‘training’ ng mga ito para maging responsableng gun owner. @dzrhnews pic.twitter.com/vScnunjwHh
The PNP CSG explained that the extensive training received by these professionals is considered sufficient to ensure they are responsible gun owners.
On August 4, General Marbil announced changes to the application process for new and renewal gun licenses for police and military officers.
"All active military and police personnel are no longer required to undergo drug tests (DT) and psychological and psychiatric examinations (PPE) since they are already trained as responsible firearm holders," the memorandum stated.
As a result, active members of the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines are now only required to submit their IDs from their respective police and military organizations when applying for or renewing firearm licenses.
Gultiano also noted that drug tests, as well as psychological and psychiatric exams, are regularly conducted within the PNP.
According to the latest records, the PNP has 11,000 expired Licenses to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF), while the AFP has 14,000.
For firearm registration, the PNP has 25,000 expired licenses, and the AFP has 29,000.
