THEY may be “toy” guns but possessing unregistered units or selling them without permit could mean real sanctions.
Chief Insp. Jacinto Cesar, newly appointed head of the PNP Firearms Explosives Security Agencies and Guards Supervisory Section (Fesagss) 7, gave this warning to distributors and users of airsoft pistols and rifles.
Cesar, who took over from Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, echoed the warning that Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Avelino Razon gave at the Defense and Sporting Arms Show in Manila last week.
The PNP Firearms and Explosives Division (FED), mother agency of the Fesagss, now require airsoft organizations to register the replica guns owned by members in compliance with PNP Circular 11, dated Dec. 4, 2007.
The circular tones down rules laid down previously, particularly a letter of instruction during the Martial Law years that mandates the outright confiscation of any firearm replica.
The PNP circular also requires stores intending to import, distribute or sell airsoft replica guns to seek license from the FED or face sanctions.
Prohibition
As stated in the circular, airsoft replica guns may not be brought out of one’s residence for warfare simulation games without permits to transport, the same policy applied to firearms used in real shooting competitions.
Stores selling replica guns without licenses may be subject to criminal prosecution, while the firearms can be subject to confiscation and destruction.
Records show that there are a total of 66 registered airsoft enthusiasts’ clubs in Central Visayas, with a combined arsenal of 2,819 airsoft pistols and rifles.
Fesagss issued serial numbers for each gun declared by the airsoft group and required that the serial number be attached to the gun as a requirement for registration.
The guns are then stenciled for record purposes.
SPO1 Alejandro Jarina Jr. of the Fesagss 7 enforcement division said only two airsoft stores in Cebu are accredited by their office. The accreditation papers of three other stores are still being processed.
Jarina said other dealers are having difficulties with the accreditation because of certain requirements, particularly the need to submit a bank certificate showing at least P200,000 in deposits. (KNR)
