The Philippine National Police (PNP), through the Regional Civil Security Unit (RSCU) in Eastern Visayas, kicked off a three-day “License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF)” caravan here.

RSCU clerk chief executive, Master Sgt. Joessie Delantar, said this is part of the PNP’s effort to bring their services closer to the people.

“Gun owners and holders here can now renew or apply for their license without going to the police regional office in Palo, Leyte or at the national headquarters in Camp Crame,” Delantar said.

The caravan is scheduled until Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) gymnasium.

The caravan includes online application, neuro-psychiatric examination, drug testing, firearms registration, and provisional LTOPF.

Delantar advised gun owners to secure the requirements, such as two copies of notarized application forms, two government-issued IDs, Philippine Statistics Authority-issued birth certificate, proof of income, drug test result with receipt and police, National Bureau of Investigation and neuro-psychiatric clearances, also with receipts.

Additional requirements for sports shooters include a certificate of membership of the gun club, certified true copy of the appointing order for government employee and retirement order for a retired employee, an oath of office for an elected official, business permit for businessmen, and certificate of employment for privately employed.

“They are also required to attend the gun safety and responsible ownership seminar during the caravan,” Delantar said.

The PNP reminds gun holders with expired licenses and other private individuals who want to own a firearm for protection that the LTOPF is a prerequisite for the registration of firearms.

This is the first round of the gun licensing caravan for this year, and more will be conducted in provinces and other cities region-wide, Delantar said.

Meanwhile, the city government here supports the LTOPF caravan to promote security, peace, and responsible gun ownership. (PNA)