PNP eyes permanent LTOFP revocation for firearm offenders

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday reminded all firearms license holders to exercise responsible gun ownership, warning that offenders might face permanent revocation of gun permits.

The PNP’s advice came following a recent road rage incident in Antipolo City that escalated into a shooting, leaving four individuals severely injured.

The PNP lamented that the incident occurred despite the ongoing ban on carrying firearms, which has been in effect since 12 January 2025, under the Commission on Elections gun ban directive. This directive aims to ensure peace and order during the election period.

Based on police records from 30 March, a total of 2,056 individuals have been arrested for violating the gun ban.

Of this figure, 161 were apprehended at checkpoints, 1,017 were caught during police responses, 365 were arrested in anti-illegal drug operations, 138 were nabbed in buy-bust operations, and 375 were taken into custody during other law enforcement operations.

A total of 2,147 firearms have been confiscated since the PNP intensified efforts to crack down on illegal firearm possession and prevent gun-related violence.

Following the road rage incident on Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil declared a stricter imposition of penalties against those who irresponsibly use their firearms.

He is considering “perpetual disqualification” from renewing a License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and firearm registration for individuals involved in firearm-related offenses.

Marbil is also recommending the revocation of their existing LTOPF and firearm registration “to ensure that those who have demonstrated reckless behavior will no longer be allowed to legally own firearms.”

The PNP said Marbil’s proposed measures are aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. “to strengthen firearms regulations and ensure that only responsible individuals retain the privilege of gun ownership.”

“Gun ownership is a privilege, not a right, and those who abuse this privilege by endangering others will face the full force of the law. Whether during the election period or not, we must all uphold responsible firearm ownership to prevent senseless violence,” Marbil stressed.

Meanwhile, the PNP chief called on all gun holders to practice utmost patience and restraint, especially in heated situations, such as road rage.

He said, “anger must never dictate one’s actions when carrying a firearm.”

“Huwag tayong magpadala sa galit. Sa isang iglap, maaaring magbago ang buhay dahil sa isang maling desisyon. Tandaan natin—huli lagi ang pagsisisi kapag may nasaktan o napatay dahil sa hindi tamang paggamit ng baril (Let us not be carried away by anger. In an instant, life can change because of one wrong decision. Remember—regret always comes too late when someone is hurt or killed due to the improper use of a firearm),” he said.

Further, the PNP urged all gun owners to comply with firearms regulations and exercise extreme caution in handling weapons, reminding the public that the misuse of firearms carries serious legal consequences.

The PNP said it will remain vigilant in monitoring and apprehending violators.

“Citizens are encouraged to report any incidents of illegal possession or reckless firearm use to the nearest police station or through the PNP’s hotline and official social media platforms,” it added.