More than 26,000 members of the police and military have yet to renew their gun licenses, according to the Philippine National Police - Civil Security Group (CSG) on Thursday. 

In an interview at Camp Crame, Quezon City, PNP Civil Security Group (CSG) spokesperson PLt. Col. Eudisan Gultiano warned that policemen who do not renew their License To Own and Possess Firearms and Firearms Registration (LTOPFF) may face administrative cases, especially now that the PNP has streamlined the process for active personnel. 

“Meron inilabas na memorandum signed by our Chief PNP kung saan inexempt na ang requirement ng drug test and psychological and psychiatric evaluation sa member ng PNP and AFP na active. I would like to clarify that covers only the AFP, PNP active personnel," said Gultiano.  

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Gultiano also explained that another reason for the exemption for policemen is that they are regularly subjected to drug tests as well as psychological and psychiatric examinations, particularly when they apply for promotions or attend training. 

As part of its internal cleansing drive, the PNP also conducts random drug tests on its officers and personnel. 

“Meron tayong mga promotion, schooling. Ang ating mga pulis ay required na mag schooling so lahat 'yan meron yang mag uundergo na yan ng drug test and at the same time meron kasi tayong din yearly na mga program ang Health Service tungkol sa kalusugang pangkaisipan, kasama doon yung psychological and psychiatric evaluation,” Gultiano said. 

Based on the data from CSG the expired LTOPF has total of 26,287 personnel from PNP (with 11,853) and AFP (with 14,434) while expired firearms registration has 54,751 both from PNP (with 25,129) and AFP (with 29,622). 

Gultiano said that any policemen who abuses the use of firearms will face penalties.

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 “Pagdating sa accountability mas higher yung accountability ng mga pulis na licensed holder na baril kasi unang una bukod sa puwedeng ma administrative sila kung hindi nakakapagrenew or hindi na follow ang procedure or yung mga laws ng RA 10591, it’s a ground for administrative filing of case, puwede din criminal case,” said Gultiano. 

 “Aside from that meron din administrative on revocation and cancellation ng mga licenses so talagang kumbaga pagdating sa accountability mas madami, mas mabigat para sa mga active member ng PNP and AFP. We think enough measure para macontrol or madiscipline din natin yung mga paggamit ng baril ng ating mga active personnel,” she added. 

 However, the PNP CSG clarified that civilians are still required to undergo drug tests and neuro-psychiatric evaluations.