A cache of firearms allegedly owned by Taiwanese nationals is presented to the media at the Philippine National Police Media Center in Camp Crame in Quezon City on March 21, 2023. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File.

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now allowing civilians to own semi-automatic rifles, its spokesperson said on Monday.

According to Col. Jean Fajardo, the PNP has made minor amendments to the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

“Bago naipasa ang RA 10591 ay allowed ang civilians na mag may-ari ng rifle, but upon passage of the law, hindi na po pwedeng magmay-ari ng rifle ang sinumang civilian,” Fajardo told reporters during a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

“Nagkaroon ng TWG [technical working group] to study the possibility of amending some of the provisions that are inherent sa function and authority ng ating Chief PNP. So, nagkaroon ng minor amendment sa IRR. Sa ngayon, ang private citizens na nagmamay-ari ng rifles, particularly ‘yung 7.62 pababa at may classification na semi-automatic ay pwede na itong palisensyahan ng civilian,” she added.

“Pwede nang magmay-ari ang sinumang civilian ng 7.62, ‘yun pong M14 pababa, basta ‘yung baril hindi siya automatic ‘yung sa selection niya,” she further said.

The PNP has already forwarded the amendments to the University of the Philippines Law Center for publication. These will be effective 15 days after publication.