MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Security Group’s (CSG) nationwide accounting of licensed firearms is focusing on Type 5 license holders for now, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson BGen. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing on Tuesday.

The CSG previously said it would physically check and account for “all firearms purchased, owned or held by authorized persons and entities” across the country as part of preparations for the 2025 national and local elections.

Fajardo said the initiative was already implemented on Monday with an initial number of 2,000 Type 5 license holders.

A Type 5 license “allows a citizen who is a certified gun collector to own and possess more than 15 registered firearms,” ​​according to the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, or Republic Act (RA) 10591.

Gun owners will first be notified by letter, after which uniformed personnel from the respective Regional Civilian Security Unit will arrive at their registered address to conduct an inspection.

Fajardo specified that, during the inspection, the staff will not enter the premises because that would require a search warrant.

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She added that there were no specific dates for the inspection and staff were not prohibited from checking information with officials if the licensed gun owner was not found at the registered address.

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Licensees would face administrative penalties if they fail to record a change of address, report any firearm as lost or stolen, or fail to indicate a transfer of possession.

Once CSG finishes accounting for Type 5 license holders, it will sequentially move through Types 4, 3, 2 and 1, according to Fajardo.

A Type 4 license allows possession of up to 15 guns, Type 3 allows up to 10 guns, Type 2 allows up to five guns and Type 1 allows up to two guns.

“Normally target-target natin yung mga nag-expire na, yung mga paso na yung licensa through Oplan Katok, so separate,” Fajardo said.

(We normally target expired licenses through Operation Katok, so this is separate.)

The PNP spokesperson added that while the measure was in preparation for the elections, the initiative would be completed even if the duration of its implementation goes beyond the May 12, 2025 polls.

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When asked about the potential pushback from gun owners, Fajardo said, “I’m sure they will understand ‘yung PNP objective to check kung nasa inyo pa ba without saying na sila’ yung problema. Wala tayong sinasabi na ‘yun ‘yung problem.”

(I’m sure they would understand the PNP’s objective of checking if the gun is still with the owner, without saying they’re a problem. We’re not saying they’re a problem.)

She then emphasized that compliance with the initiative “promotes responsible ownership” and “demonstrates good faith.”

The PNP Firearms and Explosives Office is mandated by RA 10951 to oversee the regulation of weapons in the country.

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PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil earlier ordered police units across the country to beef up security ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.