Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library
Philippines. 2010 ‘Marking, Record Keeping and Tracing.’ National Report of the Philippines on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA); Section 9, pp. 13-14. New York, NY: Permanent Mission of Philippines to the United Nations. 1 January
Relevant contents
9. Marking, Record Keeping and Tracing
vi) What national measures exist for tracing SALW [small arms and light weapons] held and issued by the State?
The Firearms Ballistics Information System (FBIS) is implemented by the Philippines National Police (FED-PNP). This state-of-the-art system of gun "fingerprinting" has been developed relying on computer analysis and is now widely used all over the world. It contains ballistics records which can be matched with firearms.
In addition, the National Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (NALECC), as mentioned, collates information to investigate and entrap smugglers. The 41 member agencies meet at least once a month.
To ensure the effective implementation of the International Tracing and Marking Instrument, the following existing regulations and administrative procedures are strictly observed by firearms manufacturers:
- That before any firm can manufacture firearms, ammunition and major firearm parts for commercial purposes, it should secure a Certificate of Safety from the Division of Industrial Safety, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE);
- That all manufactured firearms, ammunition and major firearm parts must have their trade marks of brands for easy identification and shall be deposited with the FED-PNP for safekeeping prior to its sale to licensed/authorized dealers only upon approval of the Chief of the Philippine National Police;
- That all importation and/or procurement of principal raw materials and components for the manufacture of firearms, ammunition and major firearm parts must have prior clearance from the Chief of the Philippine National Police;
- That any firearms manufacturing firm shall submit a monthly report to FED-PNP as to the types, calibres and quantities of finished products and sales made during the period as well as the inventory of the products and raw materials in stock;
- That all personnel of the factory employed in the manufacture of firearms, ammunition and major firearm parts shall be thoroughly screened by the Philippine National Police;
- That the factory be subjected to inspection by representatives of the Chief of the PNP as often as necessary.