I.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Republic Act 10591 is an act that provides for a comprehensive law on

firearms and ammunition. Thus, it also provides penalties for violation thereof.

Under the aforementioned law the Philippine National Police (PNP) is the sole

agency who has the authority to issue license to own and possess firearms

(LTOPF) through the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) under the Civil

Security Group (CSG) and cause the registration of firearms to qualified

individuals. Likewise, the AFP, the PNP and other law enforcement agencies

are allowed to acquire and possess firearms as authorized by the President in

the performance of their duties.

The PNP as the country’s primary law enforcement agency has a

number of firearms in its possession either in stock or issued to its personnel.

Over the years of its existence many of these firearms have become

unserviceable due to wear and tear, accidental damage and deterioration.

With the high cost of acquiring brand new firearms restoring these old ones is

more economical. Restoration is currently being done in some PNP Units

however, there is a question of legality and accountability. It is with this

context that this study of crafting a policy for the refurbishment of PNP

firearms is being undertaken.

The guidelines and procedures proposed by the Group 2 of Logistics

Management Course (LMC) Class 01-2020-DL deem to provide a

comprehensive and systematic flow on the refurbishment of firearms.

The references used in the crafting of said proposal had helped the

students to come up with the process which will be briefly explained through a

flowchart.

1
 Just like any other equipment, firearms also incur damages affecting its

serviceability and so there are circumstances for firearms to be refurbished,

such as: to improve its functions and performance; to replace worn out major

or minor parts of the firearms to regain/maintain its serviceability; and to

improve its aesthetic appeal which includes chrome plating for firearms used

by the ceremonial element during Ceremonial Honors.

Generally, this policy proposal aims to restore and refurbish firearms of

the PNP that includes the replacement of major parts upon approval of the

CPNP; while replacement of minor parts shall be done upon approval of TDL.

Similarly, TDL may delegate approval on replacement of minor parts of

firearm to RD, PROs and Director, NSUs down to Provincial/City Director of

PPOs/CPOs.

2
II. INTRODUCTION AND PROBLEM STATEMENT

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) is the agency

mandated by the 1987 Constitution and the Major Police Reform Laws,

Republic Act Nos. 6975 and 8551 to have administrative control over the

PNP.

Under R.A. 8551, otherwise known as the "PNP Reform and

Reorganization Act of 1998" the Commission's authority over the PNP was

strengthened and expanded to include administration of police entrance

examinations, the conduct of pre-charge investigation of police anomalies and

irregularities, and summary dismissal of erring police officers. –

(NAPOLCOM’s Mandate)

The NAPOLCOM regularly conducts inspection of personnel; and audit

and inventory of PNP’s assets, liabilities and accountabilities. Thus, firearms

are among its concern whether issued to PNP personnel or unit’s

accountability which is the Supply Accountable Officer’s (SAO) both

responsibilities to look into. Inspection of firearms is regularly conducted to

ensure their compliance to the safety standards set by the PNP.

Similarly, police officers are held to be more capable and dedicated in

the performance of their duty when there is an improved logistical capability

3
like the upgrading of firearms. However, it is of public knowledge that

procurement of new firearms to replace those which are not serviceable is a

little tedious apart from that of budget constraint. Hence, the refurbishing of

unserviceable firearms which is cost efficient is one of the germane acts that

the PNP could establish to address the increasing number of unserviceable

firearms and lack of issued firearms to its personnel.

Presently, the PNP has no policy on the refurbishing of its firearms that

provides the guidelines and procedures to include authority and

accountability. The absence of such policy affects the morale and welfare of

SAOs as it has legal implication on their accountability if there is no legal

basis.

It is in under this circumstances that members of Group 2 of Logistics

Management Course (LMC) Class 2020-01-DL had conducted a research and

came up with a proposal for the guidelines and procedures on refurbishing of

PNP Firearms.

Statement of the Problem

“What procedures may be proposed on the refurbishing of

firearms in the Philippine National Police?”

The problem for the SAOs is that there is no concrete guidelines and

procedures on the refurbishing of PNP firearms.

This policy will help the Directorate for Logistics, especially SAOs to

properly refurbish unserviceable firearms.

This policy will further address the challenges in the PNP organization

particularly on the refurbishment of serviceable and unserviceable firearms

4
which needs refurbishment to improve their conditions.

Scope and Delimitation

This policy paper have focused only on the refurbishing of PNP

firearms on the following conditions:

a.) To improve its functions and performance;

b.) To replace worn out major or minor parts of the firearms to

regain/maintain its serviceability; and

c.) To improve its aesthetic appeal which includes chrome plating for

firearms used by the ceremonial elements during Ceremonial

Honors and those that are assigned in coastal areas whose

firearms are prone to rapid corrosion due to the saline blustery

weather.

The other important aspects are:

d.) The procedures to be followed by the personnel requesting for

refurbishment, the approving authorities; and

e.) As to who would bear the cost of refurbishment.

5
III. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The Philippine National Police (PNP) originated from the Philippine

Constabulary or the PC, which was inaugurated on August 8, 1901,

establishing it as an insular police force under the American regime. On

August 8, 1975, Presidential Decree no. 765 was issued, establishing the

Philippine Constabulary Integrated National Police or the PC/INP as the

country’s national police force. These fragmented and diverse local police

units were integrated into a national police force with the Philippine

Constabulary as its nucleus.

After the People’s Revolution in 1986, a new Constitution was

promulgated providing for a police force, which is “national in scope and

civilian in character.” Consequently, Republic Act No. 6975 entitled, “An Act

Establishing the Philippine National Police under a Reorganized Department

of the Interior and Local government (DILG),” was signed into law on

December 13, 1990, which took effect on January 1, 1991.

Subsequently, the PNP was operational on January 29, 1991, whose

members were formerly the PC and the INP and the absorption of the

selected members from the major service units of the Armed Forces of the

6
Philippines such as the Philippine Air Force Security Command, the Philippine

Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, and the Philippine Army.

Thus, to further strengthen the PNP into a highly efficient and

competent police force, Republic Act No. 8551 entitled “PNP Reform and the

Reorganization Act of 1998” was enacted on February 17, 1998, amending

certain provisions of Republic Act No. 6975. – (Historical Highlights of the

PNP).

In the course of more than a century of public service as a law

enforcement agency, a firearm has been its primary weapon. Presently, it has

7
been noted that there are some PNP units who have a number of firearms

stored in their warehouses because it is no longer serviceable. Unserviceable

in the sense that these firearms need repair, stabilization, and replacement of

missing components, in order to potentially return the firearm to its firing

capabilities. It has also been observed in the past years that almost all units

do not have a 100% issuance of long firearms to its personnel. This is so

because of the lacking number of long firearms available. Police officers have

at least one (1) short firearm issued by the PNP.

As mentioned in the scope and delimitation, there are instances

when officers need to refurbish their firearms to improve its performance,

restoring its serviceability, and for aesthetic appeal. Research showed that

there are a lot of firearms that can be subjected to restoration or

refurbishment and when restored would definitely increase the number of

firearms available in the unit. It will be a great help and economical on the part

of a PNP Unit to refurbish these firearms which when restored will still be as

useful and effective as it was originally, instead of buying new firearms.

Hence, the group highly recommends the need to institute a policy or

guidelines in the refurbishment of firearms.

8
 In this research the following framework of analysis was used.

Framework of Analysis

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT OUTCOMES

CURRENT LITERATURE POLICY ON PNP

ISSUES IN RE- REVIEW FIREARMS RE- PERSONNEL
FURBISHMENT FURBISHMENT BEING MORE
OF FIREARMS IN INTERVIEWS IN THE PNP EFFECTIVE AND
THE PNP RESPONSIVE TO
SWOT Performance THEIR
Improvement MANDATES WITH
ANALYSIS
Serviceability USE OF MORE
PESTEL Restoration EFFECTIVE AND
ANALYSIS SERVICEABLE
Aesthetics FIREARMS

Procedures
Policy Options:
SFA- Suitability, Costs
Feasibility,
Acceptability

FEEDBACK

Figure 1. IPOO Framework of Analysis

9
Methodology

The group conducted the following data gathering activities:

1. Review of Related Literatures. Literatures related to the firearms,

their serviceability and refurbishment were considered.

2. Interview. The group conducted series of interviews with

Responsible Supply Police Non-Commissioned Officer (RS-PNCO),

Supply Accountable Officer (SAO) and Logistics Officer.

Tools for Analysis

In order to come up with credible policy proposal, the data from the

literatures and interviews were subjected to the following:

1. SWOT Analysis. The SWOT analysis provided an overview of the

strengths and weaknesses of the proposed policy, and the possible

opportunities and threats arising from the environment.

2. PESTEL Analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological,

Environmental and Legal).

3. Criteria for Choosing the Policy. The SFA (suitability, feasibility and

acceptability) approach was used as basis for choosing the best

policy for the firearms refurbishment policy.

10
Definition of Terms

Terminologies in this study were defined in accordance with the related

studies, as follows:

Controlled Cannibalization - is a procedure followed when unserviceable

equipment is transferred to a field or depot maintenance unit where the

usable repair parts are removed and turned into stock control for

reissue to a repair or maintenance unit which shall use the same item

in restoring unserviceable equipment.

Gunsmith – refers to any person, legal entity, corporation, partnership or

business duly licensed by the FEO to engage in the business of

repairing firearms and other weapons, or constructing or assembling

firearms and weapons from finished or manufactured parts thereof on a

per order basis and not in commercial quantities, or of making minor

parts for the purpose of repairing or assembling said firearms or

weapons.

Imitation Firearm – refers to a replica of a firearm, or other device that is

substantially similar in coloration and overall appearance to an existing

firearm as to lead a reasonable person to believe that such imitation

firearm is a real firearm.

Light Weapons - are: Class-A Light weapons which refer to self-loading

pistols, rifles, carbines, submachine guns, assault rifles and light

machine guns not exceeding caliber 7.62MM which have fully

automatic mode; and Class-B Light weapons which refer to weapons

designed for use by two (2) or more persons serving as a crew, or rifles

11
 and machine guns exceeding caliber 7.62MM such as heavy machine

guns, handheld under barrel and mounted grenade launchers, portable

anti-aircraft guns, portable anti-tank missile and rocket systems,

portable launchers of anti-aircraft missile systems, and mortars of a

caliber of less than 100MM.

Outsourcing of Repair – Repair done either in commercial repair shops or

military logistics assistance.

Refurbish – for purposes of this MC, it means repairing firearm so it’s field

ready. The repair covers the scope mounting, bore sighting, feeding

issues and trigger works as well as replacement of worn major or minor

parts of standard firearms such as the chamber area, bolt and

buttstock.

Restoration – for purposes of this MC, it means returning it to original

condition or making the firearm look new again by doing cleaning

and/or doing hard chrome plating by building-up scratches, holes, and

corroded parts on rods/bars.

Repair - To restore unserviceable equipment to operational/serviceable

condition by adjusting or replacing damaged or unserviceable parts,

components or assemblies.

Major Parts or Components of a Firearm – refer to the barrel, slide, frame,

receiver, cylinder or the bolt assembly. The term also includes any part

or kit designed and intended for use in converting a semi-automatic

burst to a fully-automatic firearm.

12
Minor Parts of a Firearm – refer to the parts of the firearm other than the

major parts which are necessary to effect and complete the action of

expelling a projectile by way of combustion, except those classified as

accessories.

Serviceable Firearm – refers to the condition in which a firearm can still be

used for its purpose.

Small Arms – refer to firearms intended to be primarily designed for individual

use or that which is generally considered to mean a weapon intended

to be fired from the hand or shoulder, which are not capable of fully

automatic bursts of discharge, such as:

Handgun is a firearm intended to be fired from the hand, which includes:

Pistol – is a hand-operated firearm having a chamber integral with or

permanently aligned with the bore which may be self-loading;

Revolver – is a hand-operated firearm with a revolving cylinder

containing chambers for individual cartridges.

Rifle – is a shoulder firearm or designed to be fired from the shoulder that can

discharge a bullet through a rifled barrel by different actions of loading,

which may be classified as lever, bolt, or self-loading;

Shotgun – is a firearm designed, made and intended to fire a number of ball

shots or a single projectile through a smooth bore by the action or

energy from burning gunpowder;

Tampered, Obliterated or Altered Firearm – refers to any firearm whose

serial number or other identification or ballistic characteristics have

13
 been intentionally tampered with, obliterated or altered without

authority or in order to conceal its source, identity or ownership; and

Unserviceable Firearm – refers to a firearm which is beyond economic repair

and can no longer be used for its purpose.

Accessories - refer to parts of a firearm which may enhance or increase the

operational efficiency or accuracy of a firearm but will not constitute

any of the major or minor internal parts thereof such as, hut not limited

to, laser scope, telescopic sight and sound suppressor or silencer.

Antique firearm -  refers to any: (1) firearm which was manufactured at least

seventy-five (75) years prior to the current date but not including

replicas; (2) firearm which is certified by the National Museum of the

Philippines to be curio or relic of museum interest; and (3) any other

firearm which derives a substantial part of its monetary value from the

fact that it is novel, rare, bizarre or because of its association with

some historical figure, period or event.

Authorized dealer - refers to any person, legal entity, corporation,

partnership or business entity duly licensed by the Firearms and

Explosive Office (FEO) of the PNP to engage in the business of buying

and selling ammunition, firearms or parte thereof, at wholesale or retail

basis.

Authorized manufacturer - refers to any person, legal entity, corporation, or

partnership duly licensed by the FEO of the PNP to engage in the

business of manufacturing firearms, and ammunition or parts thereof

for purposes of sale or distribution.

14
Confiscated firearm - refers to a firearm that is taken into custody by the

PNP, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Drug

Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and all other law enforcement agencies

by reason of their mandate and must be necessarily reported or turned

over to the PEO of the PNP.

Firearm -  refers to any handheld or portable weapon, whether a small arm or

light weapon, that expels or is designed to expel a bullet, shot, slug,

missile or any projectile, which is discharged by means of expansive

force of gases from burning gunpowder or other form of combustion or

any similar instrument or implement. For purposes of this Act, the

barrel, frame or receiver is considered a firearm.

15
IV. DISCUSSION

Based on our literature review, it was indispensable to note that

refurbishment should be in accordance with RA 10591 which prescribes under

Section 34. Tampering, Obliteration or Alteration of firearms Identification.

34.1 provides that the penalty of prision correccional to prision mayor in its

minimum period shall be imposed upon any person who shall tamper,

obliterate or alter without authority, the barrel, slide, frame, receiver, cylinder

or bolt assembly including the name of the maker, model or serial number of

any firearm or who shall replace without authority the barrel, slide, frame,

receiver, cylinder or bolt assembly including its individual or peculiar

identifying characteristics, essential in forensic examination of a firearm or

light weapon.

34.2, The PNP shall place this information, including its individual or peculiar

identifying characteristics into the database of integrated firearms

identification system of the PNP Crime Laboratory for future use and

identification system of a particular firearm.

34.3 Any individual who caused the tampering, obliteration or alteration of a

firearm without authority from the Chief, PNP through the Chief, FEO shall be

liable in accordance with this Section.

On the results of our interview, the following questions were drafted

based on the policy problem:

1. Authority to Allow Refurbishment of Firearms

The respondents were asked: “Do you have authority to allow or deny

the refurbishing of firearms? If YES, what is the nature and extent of your

16
authority? If NO, who should have authority on refurbishing firearms? The

answers are on Table 1.

Table 1. On Whether the Officer Interviewed Has the Authority or Deny

the Refurbishing of Firearms

Respondents Answers

NO.

Our policy in the PNP is silent as to the allowance or

Chief, LMD denial of refurbishing of firearms. The NAPOLCOM

as our policy maker must provide clear policy on the

refurbishment of firearms.

NO.

The head of the Agency should have the authority for

refurbishing of firearms taking into consideration the

recommendations. So, the Research and

SAO, SAF
development office and the TWG of firearms and

ammunitions of the unit. The job of the SAO is to

ensure that the contract of the refurbishing is

implemented according to its specifications.

No.

Only RSAO can and have the authority in refurbishing

RS, PNCO
of Firearms. As RSPNCO I can only recommend to

RSAO and Chief of Office.

Based on the answers of the three (3) respondents, there is no specific

policy of the PNP in refurbishment of firearms. This is the main reason behind

17
the proposal to have a PNP Memorandum Circular (MC) for the

Refurbishment of Firearms.

The recommendation on who should have the authority (either the

NAPOLCOM, Research and Development Office, or the RSAO) further

strengthens the argument that the PNP must have that MC.

But analyses of the group determined that refurbishment and

restoration have different levels of changes. Hence, for a standard MC, the

authority must come from: Chief PNP for major restoration, TDL for minor

restoration, and RSAO for aesthetics purposes.

2. Implications of Refurbishment

Table 2 shows the answers on the question: “If a retiring police officer

returns a firearm which is refurbished, would there be implications to his or

her clearance?”

Table 2. Implications to Clearance for Retiring Officers

Respondents Answers
It depends.

Yes, if firearms became ineffective and decrease in

Chief, LMD value.

No, if it increases its cost value to include its

effectiveness and favorable to the government.

SAO, SAF It depends.

If the FA was refurbished by the PNP, he should be

18
 cleared.

If not, he might be liable for violations on the

disposition of government property entrusted to him.

The absence of the MC will put the retiring PNP officer in a bad

situation. Refurbishment will be a liability “if firearms became ineffective and

decrease in value,” according to the Chief, LMD.

Refurbishment of issued firearm, without authorization from the PNP,

“might [make the officer] liable for violations on the disposition of government

property entrusted to him.”

The RS-PNCO was also asked: “Can you suggest to the police officers

the place where or the person whom they can have their firearms

refurbished?”

Table 3. Place of Refurbishment

Respondents Answers

Yes. Upon approval of chief of office and RSAO. I

RS, PNCO can suggest upon inspection of FAs*. It is functional

and still serviceable to maintain the FA

This was the answer: “It depends. Yes, if firearms became ineffective

and decrease in value. No, if it increases its cost value to include its

effectiveness and favorable to the government.”

The answer indicates that the RS-PNCO cannot just suggest the

refurbishment of firearms, much more the place where to refurbish the

19
firearms.

3. Who Shoulders the Cost of FA Refurbishment?

One of the contending issues is who should shoulder the cost of

refurbishment. The respondents were asked: “If a firearm needs refurbishing

or restoring, how do we determine who should shoulder the cost?” The

answers are on Table 4.

Table 4. Who Shoulders the Cost of Firearms Refurbishment?

Respondents Answers

The policy to be crafted shall be determine the cost

and the one who should shoulder the cost.

Chief, LMD On the other hand, I believe the bearer or the user

must shoulder the refurbishing if he so desire and

be given an option to buy the same as he retires.

It depends. If the restoration needed is due to the

negligence of the end-user, the BOS (Board of

Survey) will decide and the cost of the domestic

SAO, SAF
damage. The investigation will determine the

administrative liability. The unit can also program for

restoration of old firearms.

RS, PNCO For refurbishing and restoration of FA,

recommendation for TDL is necessary. Only

unserviceable FAs or old FAs can be restored if

funds will be provided by the PNP organization and

even the LGU if willing to help. Determination of

20
 amount should be solved by end user.

All three (3) respondents implied that refurbishment cost must be

shouldered by the police officer, especially when he or she intends to buy it

upon retirement. However, in some instances that the gun needs

refurbishment because of it being often used in operations, then the Board of

Survey must determine whether the PNP must shoulder the cost of restoration

4. Guidelines in Refurbishment of Firearms

The respondents were finally asked: “What do you propose as major

guidelines in refurbishing of firearms in the Philippine National Police?”

Table 5. Proposed Major Guidelines in Refurbishing of Firearms in the

Philippine National Police

21
 Respondents Answers

Allow the user to refurbish his/her use for FA to

become better and effective for his/her official

duty/function and be given option to buy the same as

Chief, LMD
he/she retires base on the original cost valuation with

due consideration with the expenses he incurred in

refurbishment.

Instead of refurbishing, the PNP should focus on the

programming of funds for maintenance of weapons

SAO, SAF such as but not limited to, procurement of parts

(especially highly movable) in order to preserve the

serviceability of our weapons.

Compliance of LOI 65/2010 @ MC 2008-10 “proper

care and maintenance of issued FA” if these memo

RS, PNCO circular is strictly followed, no need for the

refurbishing and likewise restoration of FAs will be

easier and amount for refurbishing is lesser cost.

The last two officers indicated that instead of refurbishment, the PNP

should focus on “proper care and maintenance of weapons.” However, that

responsibility is already given to the PNP officers. The SAOs and RS-PNCOs

can also recommend that during inspections.

However, refurbishment is needed when the “performance” is at

question. Proper care and maintenance usually look at the physical state of

the firearms; refurbishment usually focuses on the serviceability or

performance.

22
 Therefore, the main lesson is that “the PNP officer may opt to ask

permission from at least the RSAO or TDL for gun refurbishment to improve

efficiency and effectiveness, or to attain standard serviceability.”

V. ANALYSIS OF DATA

A. SWOT Analysis

Based on the data gathered, we came up with this SWOT analysis.

Table 6. SWOT Analysis on Crafting a Policy on Firearms Refurbishment

STRENGTHS
● Clear policy on firearms
refurbishment: improving
efficiency, restoring serviceability
and enhancing aesthetics
OPPORTUNITIES
● Better public service with
serviceable or better
performance of the firearms

23
 ● Enhanced public image of
● Less complications for retiring
the police with the use of
officers with refurbished firearms
more effective firearms.
WEAKNESSES THREATS
● Theft of firearms by “criminal
● Costly to the end-users elements” while it is in the
process of refurbishment

● May be used to cover up ● Pilferage or use of

“criminal” use of the gun substandard materials and
elements by the RSPNCO

As shown in the above analysis, the strength and opportunities outweighs

the weaknesses and threats in the proposed crafting of policy on the

refurbishment of firearms. It is when there is a clear policy on refurbishment of

firearms that a better public service can be rendered to the community for

serviceable firearms are the PNPs instrument in battling lawless elements.

C. PESTEL Analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological,

Environmental and Legal)

There are only two options for this policy paper: to establish an MC

for the refurbishment of firearms, or not making a policy at all.

Table 7. PESTEL Analysis

Aspects/
Not Establishing a Policy on Crafting a Policy on
Policy
Firearms Refurbishment Firearms Refurbishment
Options

24
Political Questions on the Better performing firearms

ineffectiveness and could convert to better

unserviceability of firearms performance of the police in

could lead to worsen peace their fight against criminal

and order situation in the area elements.

of responsibilities of local PNP

units.

Economic There will be issues on who Accountability is clear. The

should shoulder the costs of PNP will also be guided on

refurbishment and problems of whether the officer or the PNP

accountability during will be shouldering the cost of

retirement of police officers refurbishment.

Social Less confidence of the Higher trust rating of the PNP

community when guns are not from the people with higher

serviceable or at their performing firearms, and

maximum effective aesthetic displays of firearms

performance. during parades and reviews.

Techno- The standards for The materials, technology and

logical refurbishment will not be clear. procedures will be specified

when refurbishment of

firearms will be made.

Environ- May create negative impact to The disposal of pollutants

mental environment on disposing used may be incorporated in

pollutants the MC

Legal May lead to liabilities of Less liability of officers,

25
 officers if an MC is absent especially retiring ones, with a

clear MC

There are only two options based on the data gathered and analyses:

to do nothing or to craft a policy on refurbishment of firearms.

The SFA (suitability, feasibility and acceptability) approach is used to

choose among competing policy alternatives. Table 7 shows the criteria.

Table 8. Criteria for Choosing among the Policy Alternatives

Criteria Absence of a Policy Crafting of the Policy

Suitability NO YES

Feasibility NO YES

Acceptability NO YES

The question is: Is it suitable for the PNP to craft a policy on the

refurbishment of firearms. Based on the strengths and opportunities of the

SWOT analysis, and the arguments for crafting a policy on the PESTEL

analysis, the answer is YES.

Is it feasible? The answer is YES. Feasibility refers to whether a policy

or program can be sustained. A PNP Memorandum Circular signed by the

26
Chief PNP provides sustainability and authority for the policy.

Is it acceptable? Yes. For all officers who deem the need to refurbish

their firearms—improve effectiveness, restore serviceability or to enhance

aesthetics—the policy on refurbishment must be highly acceptable.

VI. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE POLICY RESPONSES

Based on the foregoing results and analysis, this policy revision

proposes the following general principles and procedures that may be

adopted based on the analyses of the results of the study:

Policy Recommendations

1. Authority

The authority to allow the police officer to have his or her firearms

refurbished must be established. Based on the results, TDL, through

recommendations from RSAOs, and concurrence from Provincial SAOs and

RS-PNCOS, have the authority to allow refurbishment on minor parts. For

major restoration, authority must come from the Chief PNP, as endorsed by

TDL, with recommendations from LSS Board of Survey.

2. Clearance System

27
 The clearance system during retirement must indicate that any

changes or refurbishment to the issued firearms was authorized. The

authorization must be attached to expedite the clearance process of the

retiree.

3. Cost

The burden of cost lies on the bearer. Hence, the officer as requesting

party will bear the cost of refurbishment. However, if the refurbishment or

restoration is due to unwanted instances (malfunction or damage during

operations), then the Board of Survey may recommend that the PNP will

shoulder the cost.

4. Who Should Do the Refurbishing?

Only authorized RSPNCOs will be allowed to make refurbishments of

officially-issued firearms of PNP personnel. The list must be authorized by the

RSAO.

28
VII. CONCLUSION

Based on the analysis of the foregoing research problems and data

gathered, the following are the conclusions of the study:

1. There are instances when PNP officers need to refurbish their firearms.

These include the need to upgrade the firearms for efficiency and

effectiveness, restoring standard serviceability status, and enhancing

the aesthetic value for parades and display.

2. The PNP has no specific policy on refurbishment of firearms. Based on

the analyses, this policy is needed to guide the PNP officers on the

procedures for refurbishment, determination of who will bear the cost,

and accountability of the applicant.

3. The proposed Memorandum Circular must tackle the issue on who can

authorize the refurbishment of firearms, implications to clearance

system, burden of cost, and authorized refurbishers.

29
VIII. RECOMMENDATION

Due to the absence of a policy on refurbishment of firearms, this policy

paper proposes the following:

That the Directorate for Logistics must craft a memorandum circular

entitled “Guidelines and Procedures on Refurbishing of PNP Firearms.”

30
IX. REFERENCES

A. Guidelines and Procedures in the Disposition of Capture, Confiscated,

Surrendered, Deposited, Abandoned Firearms (CCSDAF).

B. Guidelines and Procedures on Refurbishing of PNP Firearms.

C. Guidelines for Unit Commanders in Proposing Programs, Projects, and

Activities for Inclusion in the Development programs of the Local

Government Unit.

D. Guidelines in the Acceptance of Donation of Tangible Goods or Assets

in Favor of the PNP.

E. Procedures for the Handling of Explosives and Explosives Ingredients

for all PNP Units and Industry Stakeholders.

F. Republic Act No. 10591- An act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on

Firearms and Ammunition and Providing Penalties for Violations

Thereof.

31
32
X. APPENDIX

Appendix A. Reporting of FAs for Restoring and Refurbishing

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Appendix B. Interview Results

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Appendix C. Parts of Firearms

The following pictures show the parts of 9MM beretta pistol and M16A1

long firearm which are common issues in the PNP:

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