By ARDY ARANETA-BATOY
The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bohol is inviting the public to join the License to
Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF) and firearms license caravan that will take place on
August 21-23, 2023 at the Tagbilaran City Hall Atrium.
The caravan is supported by the city government, and aims to encourage responsible
gun ownership and prevent illegal possession of firearms.
In an interview with Lt Colonel Norman Nuez of the Bohol Police Provincial Office
(BPPO) over DYTR’s Open Forum program hosted by Ardy Araneta Batoy, Nuez said
the PNP has two campaigns against loose firearms: Oplan Kontra Boga and Oplan
Katok.
Oplan Kontra Boga targets illegal weapons that are made without permission and
registration, while Oplan Katok targets firearms owners who have expired licenses,
Nuez explained.
Nuez said that the upcoming barangay and SK elections are one of the reasons why the
PNP is conducting the caravan, as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has
imposed a gun ban in the country.
He said that the Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU) is the office of the PNP that is
mainly responsible for issuing licenses to own a weapon.
He bared that there are two types of licenses: LTOPF and firearms license. LTOPF is a
prerequisite for obtaining a firearms license, which allows the holder to buy a specific
type of weapon.
Nuez advised those who want to join the LTOPF caravan to visit their office at Camp
Dagohoy first, so that they can create an LTOPF account for them in the new system
and explain what requirements they need to prepare.
He said that one of the requirements is to undergo a neuro and drug test, which will
determine if they are fit to hold a weapon.
Nuez said that being mentally and emotionally fit is important for gun owners, as they
should know how to use their weapons responsibly and only on justifiable reasons.
In the same interview, Nuez stressed that police officers are required to be sharp
shooters and treat their firearms as if they were their spouses, meaning they should
know the advantages and disadvantages of their weapons.
In addition, Batoy also interviewed Master Sgt Jess Martinez of Camp Dagohoy,
another PNP official who gave more details about the process and requirements of
getting a gun license in Bohol.
Martinez said that before getting a National Police Clearance (NPC), which is one of the
requirements for LTOPF, applicants can make an online appointment at
[npclearance.ph].
They can choose which police station they want to go to, either Tagbilaran or other
LGUs.
Martinez said that they chose these towns because they are in strategic locations.
Martinez said that to make it easier for applicants, they can visit their office at Camp
Dagohoy in the main building so that they can assist them and give them the list of
requirements. They can also print their APO account and bring it to the caravan.
Martinez explained that once applicants have their LTOPF, they can go to any gun store
and choose what type of weapon and caliber they want to buy.
Gun stores have an all-in package that includes the firearms license, he revealed.
However, Martinez warned that applicants should not buy from the “black market” or
from unlicensed sellers, as they cannot be licensed.
He said that if applicants have a friend who has LTOPF and a licensed gun and wants
to sell it, they can buy it as long as they have a transfer document and a deed of sale.
Martinez said that there is an age limit for LTOPF, which is 21 years old and above.
He also said that there are individuals who can easily get a license to own and possess
firearms, such as elected government officials, government employees, media
personalities, military personnel, and businessmen.