By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod City government has partnered with the Regional Civil Security Unit in the Negros Island Region (RCSU-NIR) to bring firearm licensing and registration services closer to residents through a three-day caravan at the Bacolod City Government Center Lobby.
The License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and Firearms Registration Caravan opened yesterday and will run until May 22 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering centralized processing for firearm-related transactions aimed at improving accessibility and encouraging compliance with national firearm regulations.
Among the services available during the caravan are new applications and renewals of LTOPF, firearm registration and renewal, neuropsychiatric examinations, drug testing, National Police Clearance processing, gun safety seminars, and notarial services required for licensing applications.
RCSU Assistant Chief Freddie Cayot urged firearm owners and aspiring applicants from Bacolod and nearby areas to take advantage of the caravan’s on-site services.
He said the initiative was intended to provide faster and more convenient processing while helping ensure responsible gun ownership and compliance with existing laws.
Police Staff Sergeant Johnny Giducos also encouraged residents from neighboring cities and municipalities to participate in the activity.
Under the guidelines released by organizers, applicants are required to bring complete documentary requirements to avoid delays in processing.
Transactions will follow a first-come, first-served basis.
For new LTOPF applications, Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel must submit a notarized application form, affidavit of undertaking, birth certificate or passport, proof of billing, and proof of income or duty status.
PNP applicants are exempted from the gun safety seminar, neuropsychiatric examination, and drug testing upon presentation of a valid PNP identification card.
Meanwhile, civilian applicants are required to submit an application form, affidavit of undertaking, birth certificate or passport, proof of billing, gun safety seminar certificate, police clearance, neuropsychiatric examination results, and drug test results.
The RCSU also advised residents to visit its office for account verification concerns, particularly those who may have forgotten their login credentials./CJ, WDJ