On June 17, 2026, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reaffirmed its stringent enforcement of firearm licensing and registration laws, emphasizing that all gun owners must adhere to these regulations without exception.
PNP Chief's Statement on Firearm Regulations
Every firearm must be properly licensed, registered, and regularly renewed with the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office.
Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. underscored that gun ownership is a regulated privilege, and non-compliance could result in both administrative and criminal penalties.
- All firearms must be licensed and registered.
- Gun owners must comply with documentation and safe storage requirements.
- Violations may lead to legal repercussions.
This announcement comes amid allegations regarding Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases 'Mans' Carpio, who reportedly own around 50 firearms. These claims surfaced during preparations for a Senate impeachment trial.
House prosecutor and Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon alleged that these firearms were not declared in the couple's Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) from 2007 to 2025.
While these allegations raise questions about transparency, they do not automatically imply that the firearms in question are unlicensed. As of now, the PNP has not confirmed any illegal possession.
The Office of the Vice President and Carpio's representatives have denied the allegations, emphasizing the importance of due process in investigating such claims.