Policemen and soldiers will no longer be required to undergo drug test and psychiatric evaluation when securing their gun permits, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Thursday, Aug. 15.
Police Lt. Col. Eudisan Gultiano, spokesperson of the PNP-Civil Security Group (CSG), said the exemption is contained in the memorandum signed by PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, but stressed that this only covers policemen and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“The reason is that the PNP has a regular psychological and neuro exam for all its personnel, and even random drug tests. So it is a sufficient compliance to the requirements of application and renewal of their LTOPF and gun registration,” said Gultiano.
The same is also being done in the AFP, according to the official.
In terms of training, Gultiano said both policemen and soldiers have regular training for responsible gun ownership.
He explained that the conduct of drug test, psychological and psychiatric tests are even frequent for policemen and soldiers since they are required to undergo the tests before schooling and when applying for promotion.
“The public has nothing to worry about this exemption because when it comes to accountability, it is very strict for both the PNP and AFP because it involves filing of administrative charges,” said Gultiano.
“So we think we have enough measures to control or discipline our active personnel in the use of firearms,” he added.
Gultiano said the new policy will be beneficial for policemen and soldiers who usually do not have enough time to process the renewal of gun permits alone due to service-related engagements.
Currently, there are almost 12,000 PNP personnel and more than 14,000 soldiers with expired LTOPF.
A total of 54,751 firearms of policemen and soldiers have expired registration.
In the meantime, Gultiano said the policy only covers PNP and AFP personnel since the possible exemption of members of other law enforcement agencies will still need another deliberation.