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| Firearms & Self-Defense in the Philippines |
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Guns & rifles may be used under certain conditions. |
Self-Defense in the Philippines
See updates below.
Thinking about moving from the USA to the Philippines to live? Basically, you will be defenseless while you are in the Philippines. As you will be in most countries you visit. You will be reduced to using your fists or if you have training in martial arts that may help in times of need. Best if you keep a low profile and treat everyone you encounter with respect. Filipinos will be friendly if you are. Treat them like dirt and you may very well regret it! I have seen a guy thrown out of a bar in Angeles City for some reason. He took a drunken swing at the bouncer. He should have left peacefully. He was the recipient of several punches from bystanders and tricycle drivers. Fortunately, he was able to walk away.
If you think gun laws in the USA are restrictive you ain't seen anything yet. Read about the
Update at Inquirer.net Mar. 27, 2014: Gun Owners to Go to Supreme Court Over New Rules.
Read this great post by JohnM titled
If you think gun laws in the USA are restrictive you ain't seen anything yet. Read about the
new gun laws in the Philippines which were just signed into law by the President of the Philippines (the news story is dated June 2, 2013.)
According to the story (dated June 2, 2013):
"the gun holder should be a Filipino, at least 21 years old, a taxpayer, and has not been convicted of a crime.
Under RA 10591, only small firearms may be registered by licensed Filipino citizens or licensed juridical entities for ownership, possession and concealed carry." But only the military and law enforcement "can lawfully acquire and possess high-powered weapons." And "All licenses should be renewed after two years or risk revocation of the license and confiscation of the firearm." Learn more by clicking on the link above.
According to the story (dated June 2, 2013):
"the gun holder should be a Filipino, at least 21 years old, a taxpayer, and has not been convicted of a crime.
Under RA 10591, only small firearms may be registered by licensed Filipino citizens or licensed juridical entities for ownership, possession and concealed carry." But only the military and law enforcement "can lawfully acquire and possess high-powered weapons." And "All licenses should be renewed after two years or risk revocation of the license and confiscation of the firearm." Learn more by clicking on the link above.
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| Semi-Automatic Rifles |
Update March 6, 2024
• 10h
MANILA, Philippines — The decision of the Philippine National Police (PNP) allowing gun enthusiasts to own and register 7.62 semi-automatic rifles will boost the country’s external defense against China’s aggression, the head of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) said yesterday.
Update March 6, 2024 - PhilStar Global - Manila, Philippines — Civilian gun owners can now own and register 7.62mm semi-automatic rifles, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Upon enactment of Republic Act 10591, civilian ownership of rifles was prohibited although they were allowed to license and sell them, she added.
A technical working group was formed to study the possibility of amending certain provisions related to the function and authority of PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.
Update at Inquirer.net Mar. 27, 2014: Gun Owners to Go to Supreme Court Over New Rules.
Read this great post by JohnM titled
"Foreigner + Gun = Prison." He even covers the idea of your Filipino spouse owing a gun. This is a must read.
See this Wikipedia article about guns in the Philippines for more insight into past and present gun ownership issues.
Foreigners are not allowed to possess firearms in the Philippines. So, how to protect your dwelling and property in the Philippines? You could rent a home or apartment in a "secure" neighborhood. Another way would be to purchase a condo in a building which has "good" security. What does good security consist of? Well, armed guards at the entrances of condo buildings, armed guards at the entrances of residential subdivisions. Some subdivisions have roaming armed guards. And be very sure everyone you allow into your residence can be fully trusted, beyond a shadow of a doubt. If you are married to a Filipina, she and her family members could possibly get gun permits and purchase weapons at gun shows or gun stores. But as one blogger said "in the Philippines ladies are not considered to be pistol packing mamas" so, if the police respond, they will likely assume you did the shooting even though the weapon is registered to her.
Update July 15, 2016 (excerpt from newsinfo inquirer dot net)
See this Wikipedia article about guns in the Philippines for more insight into past and present gun ownership issues.
Foreigners are not allowed to possess firearms in the Philippines. So, how to protect your dwelling and property in the Philippines? You could rent a home or apartment in a "secure" neighborhood. Another way would be to purchase a condo in a building which has "good" security. What does good security consist of? Well, armed guards at the entrances of condo buildings, armed guards at the entrances of residential subdivisions. Some subdivisions have roaming armed guards. And be very sure everyone you allow into your residence can be fully trusted, beyond a shadow of a doubt. If you are married to a Filipina, she and her family members could possibly get gun permits and purchase weapons at gun shows or gun stores. But as one blogger said "in the Philippines ladies are not considered to be pistol packing mamas" so, if the police respond, they will likely assume you did the shooting even though the weapon is registered to her.
Update July 15, 2016 (excerpt from newsinfo inquirer dot net)
"Gun Permits Made Easier:"
"PNP chief Director General Ronald de la Rosa said the 10 requirements for a license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) have been reduced to just four: the neuro-psychiatric screening, drug test, police clearance and the RTC/MTC or NBI clearance."
What about the carrying of knives? Here is a page from the Philippine Law Dictionary. Do you know what self-defense weapons foreigners and Filipinos are allowed to carry? Please submit a comment below.
Regardless the dangers, it is reported that there are about 300,000 US citizens living in the Philippines. Some of those are dual citizenship Filipinos. I have read that approximately 30,000 US citizens are living in Angeles City.
I have lived in the Philippines for over 5 years and have only experienced 2 pick pocketing attempts and a snatching. My wife and I were walking near a bus station in Manila when a thief tore a necklace and pendant off her neck and ran back the other way. It was not an expensive necklace. We chased him through the heavy crowd on the sidewalk and down a side street. He disappeared. We approached 2 police officers near a fast food restaurant and asked for help and described what had happened. One responded, "I think I know who it was. Maybe he gave it to his aunt." I told him I would give him a reward if he could retrieve it and gave him my cell phone number. The next day he called and said that he had retrieved the pendant but not the necklace. We took a long ride in a jeepney to go meet him. He returned the pendant but I did not give him a reward because he did not retrieve the necklace and we had spent about 2 hours traveling to go meet him. My wife offered to buy him some food at the fast food place he was stationed near. He said he had plenty of food but wanted money. She told me let's just walk away and that is what we did! Living in the Philippines will take some getting used to.
Probably the safest places to be in the Philippines are in the world class shopping malls. There are armed guards at all entrances. They search inside all handbags, backpacks, sling bags, all other bags and even sealed boxes shoppers bring into the malls. They even do a quick pat down at the waist checking for weapons (as seen in the picture.)
Inside the malls many merchants have uniformed guards at their entrances.
In the Philippines all Western foreigners are called "American." Don't ask me why, I don't know. All "Americans" are considered "rich." So, whether you dress well or dress down you are still seen to be "rich." When traveling via jeepney, tricycle or bus always be cautious. The US Dept. of State issues travel advisories. In an advisory in 2011 it advised travelers to the Philippines not to ride on motorcycles, tricycles, jeepneys, buses or trains. The advice was to use only metered taxis. However, taxis are hardly ever found outside major metropolitan areas. We traveled, without harm, for over 5 years using all available modes of transportation.
Beware of pickpockets, especially when riding in jeepneys. Read my post about my run ins with thieves titled "Pick pockets in the Philippines. Crime in the Philippines."
"PNP chief Director General Ronald de la Rosa said the 10 requirements for a license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) have been reduced to just four: the neuro-psychiatric screening, drug test, police clearance and the RTC/MTC or NBI clearance."
What about the carrying of knives? Here is a page from the Philippine Law Dictionary. Do you know what self-defense weapons foreigners and Filipinos are allowed to carry? Please submit a comment below.
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| Gun shows in the Philippines. |
Regardless the dangers, it is reported that there are about 300,000 US citizens living in the Philippines. Some of those are dual citizenship Filipinos. I have read that approximately 30,000 US citizens are living in Angeles City.
I have lived in the Philippines for over 5 years and have only experienced 2 pick pocketing attempts and a snatching. My wife and I were walking near a bus station in Manila when a thief tore a necklace and pendant off her neck and ran back the other way. It was not an expensive necklace. We chased him through the heavy crowd on the sidewalk and down a side street. He disappeared. We approached 2 police officers near a fast food restaurant and asked for help and described what had happened. One responded, "I think I know who it was. Maybe he gave it to his aunt." I told him I would give him a reward if he could retrieve it and gave him my cell phone number. The next day he called and said that he had retrieved the pendant but not the necklace. We took a long ride in a jeepney to go meet him. He returned the pendant but I did not give him a reward because he did not retrieve the necklace and we had spent about 2 hours traveling to go meet him. My wife offered to buy him some food at the fast food place he was stationed near. He said he had plenty of food but wanted money. She told me let's just walk away and that is what we did! Living in the Philippines will take some getting used to.
Pickpockets, Crime and Security in the Philippines
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| Armed Security Guards check bags at most malls we have visited. We always feel safe in the malls. We have never seen an incident. |
Probably the safest places to be in the Philippines are in the world class shopping malls. There are armed guards at all entrances. They search inside all handbags, backpacks, sling bags, all other bags and even sealed boxes shoppers bring into the malls. They even do a quick pat down at the waist checking for weapons (as seen in the picture.)
Inside the malls many merchants have uniformed guards at their entrances.
In the Philippines all Western foreigners are called "American." Don't ask me why, I don't know. All "Americans" are considered "rich." So, whether you dress well or dress down you are still seen to be "rich." When traveling via jeepney, tricycle or bus always be cautious. The US Dept. of State issues travel advisories. In an advisory in 2011 it advised travelers to the Philippines not to ride on motorcycles, tricycles, jeepneys, buses or trains. The advice was to use only metered taxis. However, taxis are hardly ever found outside major metropolitan areas. We traveled, without harm, for over 5 years using all available modes of transportation.
Beware of pickpockets, especially when riding in jeepneys. Read my post about my run ins with thieves titled "Pick pockets in the Philippines. Crime in the Philippines."
Another excellent method of self-defense is Krav Maga. Filipinos, visit the International Krav Maga Federation of the Philippines website where Filipino is spoken.
If would like to train in your country do a Google search for "krav maga" in your city or a nearby city.
There are legal self-defense methods for foreigners in the Philippines.
I have lived in the Philippines for about 5 years without major incident.
Find Attorneys in the Philippines.
If you have found this article helpful, have suggestions, advice or insights please "comment" below.
Find Attorneys in the Philippines.
If you have insights, suggestions or questions please let me know in "comments" below.
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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about self defense, foreigners and guns and gun shows in the Philippines. This page last updated July 20, 2022.
