The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now processing the cancellation of the gun registration and License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa following a recommendation from its Firearms License Revocation and Restoration Board (FLRRB).
According to PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) legal officer PLtCol. Domer Tadeo, the move comes in line with the directive of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to enforce the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against the senator.
Tadeo said the board had already begun deliberations “motu proprio” as early as last week, even without a formal letter from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
“We all know that the crime has more than that, yung penalty niya,” Tadeo explained, citing legal grounds for the recommendation.
He added: “The ground is under section 4-G of RA 10591, that is, there is a pending criminal case where the imposable penalty is more than two years.”
Authorities declined to disclose the exact number and types of firearms registered under Dela Rosa’s name.
Once all seven members of the board sign the resolution, the PNP-FEO will require the senator to surrender his firearms. The order, however, may still be appealed.
Officials also warned that refusal to surrender the firearms could lead to additional charges, including possible violations related to illegal possession or “loose firearms.”
The recommendation marks a significant step in the enforcement process as law enforcement agencies move to implement court and justice department directives tied to the ICC case.
