Civilian gun owners in the Philippines are now allowed to own and register 7.62mm semi-automatic rifles, as announced by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
During a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo addressed concerns about the ownership of 5.56mm and 7.62mm-long firearms by civilians.
Prior to the passage of the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition Regulation, civilians were allowed to own rifles. However, after the enactment of Republic Act 10591, civilian ownership of rifles was prohibited, although licensing and selling were still allowed.
To address these restrictions, a technical working group was formed to study the possibility of amending certain provisions under the authority of PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. Minor amendments were made to the implementing rules and guidelines, specifically in section 36.6, allowing private citizens to license semi-automatic rifles chambered in 7.62 or lower, according to Fajardo.
Fajardo clarified that possessing a license does not require immediate purchase of a firearm. Those interested in registering and obtaining licenses for firearms, including semi-automatic rifles, are subject to regulation.
