Satellite office opens in Cebu
Owners of firearms will no longer need to proceed to Camp Crame to register their guns as a satellite office has been established inside the Police Regional Office-7 in Cebu City.
The satellite office, which was inaugurated yesterday, was made possible through the joint effort of the Philippine National Police Civil Security Group (CSG) and Firearms Explosives Office (FEO).
Police Director Melito Mabilin, director of the CSG, said local government units in Cebu also donated IT equipment for the office which were also turned over yesterday.
Mabilin said they already established other satellite offices in Marikina City and in Davao City, explaining that the office in Cebu may be the last satellite office in the country.
With the satellite office, it would be more convenient for gun owners to secure License to Own and Posses Firearms (LTOPF).
Mabilin said for their Davao City satellite office, for example, transactions are completed within 20 minutes.
“Pero depende sa time of the day kasi meron din time na mabagal ang internet. Pero kung mabilis naman, mga 20 minutes,” said Mabilin.
A meeting was also conducted yesterday between the CSG, FEO and firearm owners on the streamlining of the documentary requirements for the LTOPF.
Mabilin said they will strictly implement the requirements needed to secure a permit like getting a picture of the applicant which will be taken during the registration to avoid “fictitious” owners.
“Nag-emanate ito kasi marami kasi kaming nadiskubre sa nakaraan na mga applicants, actually meron talaga tayong records diyan, na marami palang fictitious addresses and persons. Hindi natin alam kung san napupunta yung mga mga baril,” said Mabilin, adding that this will lessen the cases of loose firearms in the country.
Mabilin said they also recommended some changes in the requirements for the LTOPF.
“Kagaya ng kailangan pa kumuha ng birth certificate. Kung meron nang passport, okay na yun kasi hindi ka naman makakuha ng passport kung walang birth certificate,” said Mabilin adding that these kinds of changes will give convenience to the stake holders.