photo: PNP-FEO Facebook page
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has shifted to what it described as a more secure and efficient system of firearms registration following a cyberattack in May last year that compromised information of registered gun owners.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said the new system was a product of the efforts of the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) to implement a series of reforms designed to streamline procedures while enhancing cybersecurity and accessibility.
“For years, firearm licensing has been a critical service of the PNP, catering to over 800,000 clients across the country. However, a cyberattack on May 16, 2024, exposed vulnerabilities in the previous system, prompting an urgent shift to a more advanced and fortified platform,” said Marbil.
“But we have taken significant strides in modernizing our firearm registration and licensing process which ensures a more secure, efficient, and user-friendly experience for responsible gun owners,” he added.
Marbil said the upgraded system now has robust security features which include anti-malware protection, web reputation monitoring, activity tracking and device control.
He said a web application firewall (WAF), intrusion prevention, and two-factor authentication (2FA) via Google Authenticator and email verification are added features.
Marbil said the FEO also worked with the Information and Technology Management Service (ITMS) to add security enhancements to include the introduction of SIM card-based client credentials, regional kiosk installations, a user-friendly mobile app, additional e-payment gateways, an expanded notification system, a unified database, and an enhanced system interface.
He said the system is now also integrated with the National Police Clearance system.
“These innovations reflect the PNP’s unwavering commitment to digital transformation and public service excellence. We want firearm licensing and registration to be both secure and accessible. By harnessing technology, we are making government transactions faster, safer, and more convenient for the people we serve,” said Marbil.
“With these innovations, the PNP-FEO is not only enhancing the licensing experience for gun owners but also reinforcing national security and public safety. The agency remains steadfast in its mission to provide world-class service while ensuring that every step of the firearm registration process is seamless, transparent, and protected against cyber threats,” he added.