'Ondoy,' 'Pepeng' prompt Palace to extend gun amnesty

Citing the damage caused by tropical cyclones 'Ondoy' (Ketsana) and 'Pepeng' (Parma), Malacañang has extended to November 30 the amnesty period for gun owners to register their weapons.

Executive Order (EO) 817-A effectively gives an additional month to gun owners to renew expired firearms licenses and/or register their unregistered firearms with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"The continuous processing of the applications for the Final General Firearms Amnesty was adversely affected by recent tropical storms ‘Ondoy’ and ‘Pepeng’ which hit Luzon," said the EO dated October 30, a copy of which was posted on the PNP website Saturday.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita signed the EO on behalf of President Arroyo.

Several areas in the country, particularly Luzon, were devastated after 'Ondoy' and 'Pepeng' brought in heavy rains that caused floods and landslides, and killed more than 900.

EO 817 amends Executive Order No. 817 dated July 7, 2009. The original EO provided for a Final General Firearms Amnesty to be implemented from October 1 to 30.

Both EOs noted the extension of the Final General Firearms Amnesty will synchronize with the expected passage into law of House Bill 6776 or the proposed Amendment to Firearms Law, which seek to impose stiffer penalties against persons and entities possessing illegal firearms and ammunition.

Also, the EO cited a “pressing public clamor" to extend the Final General Firearms Amnesty, which was supported by the recommendation of the National Firearms Control Program Executive Committee (NFCP EXECOM).

“In recognition of the public’s request and the need to fully and effectively implement Executive Order No. 817, it is necessary to extend the period for the implementation of the Final General Firearms Amnesty," Mrs. Arroyo said in the EO.

Under EO 817-A, individual and juridical entities may renew their expired firearms licenses and/or register their unregistered firearms with the PNP during the extension period.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations issued by the PNP Chief to carry out EO 817 shall be the same ones in EO 817-A. - GMANews.TV