THE Philippine National Police (PNP) launched Tuesday the online application of License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOFP) and Firearms Registration System, where gun owners and enthusiasts can now avoid the hassle of long processes in order to get their firearms registered.
“The online system is accessible in all web browsers. LTOFP applicants [can register] in the convenience of their homes or offices,” said PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa.
Applicants may register at the onlineltofp.pnp.gov.ph with the use of their clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) or other government-issued identification card.
They will be asked to fill-out the form and upload the photo of the required documents, such as neuropsychiatric exam, drug test results and clearance from the intelligence department and NBI.
The user will then have to wait for the online approval of their application via text message or email, which will instruct them to pay the assessed fees at any Landbank of the Philippines branches.
The applicant will be asked to upload the proof of payment and select a schedule for the claiming of the LTOFP or Firearms registration license.
PNP-Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) director Chief Superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag said LTOFP and Firearms license can be claimed in almost all of police regional offices.
Applicants should bring and present the original documents, which they uploaded in the online application.
On a regular application, Binag said gun owners had to wait for at least half a day for the release of the license, compared to the "10 minutes" pick-up time in the new system.
Aside from providing better service for the public, Binag said the high-technology system will also help in getting rid of corruption within the PNP due to the lesser human intervention.
In the revised Republic Act 10591 also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, the LTOFP is the new mandatory requirement for all firearms registration and firearms licenses renewal which means that gun owners who will renew license will have to secure first their LTOFP. (SunStar Philippines)