The Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO) is recommending the cancellation of Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and firearms registrations following the government’s move to enforce the arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
FEO legal officer Lt. Col. Domer Tadeo said the recommendation was reached during a board deliberation on Tuesday at Camp Crame.
According to Tadeo, the FEO began its own motu proprio inquiry last week after the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the enforcement of the ICC warrant against Dela Rosa.
“Actually, as early as last week, the FEO has already conducted motu proprio investigation or inquiry. We did not wait for the NBI’s request for the cancellation,” Tadeo said.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag earlier said the NBI had written to the PNP seeking the cancellation of Dela Rosa’s firearms licenses.
Tadeo said the FEO had already gathered the necessary documents to support the proposed cancellation or revocation of the senator’s firearms privileges.
“We have already gathered the necessary evidence last week for the cancellation or revocation of the LTOPF and firearms registration of our good senator,” he said.
The FEO official declined to disclose how many firearms are registered under Dela Rosa’s name, citing privacy concerns. Matibag earlier claimed that more than a hundred firearms of various types were registered to the former PNP chief.
“We are not ready to divulge the number of firearms because it is our position that it’s personal information protected by the Data Privacy Act,” Tadeo said.
He said the FEO found grounds to recommend the cancellation of Dela Rosa’s LTOPF and firearms registrations under Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
“The ground is under Section 4G of RA 10591. There is a pending criminal case before the ICC where the imposable penalty is more than two years,” Tadeo said.
If the recommendation is approved, Dela Rosa’s firearms may be confiscated by authorities.
“The team from the FEO or CSG (Civil Security Group) will proceed to the address for the confiscation. Definitely, police action will be done through proper and legal means,” Tadeo said.
He added that Dela Rosa also has the option to voluntarily surrender the firearms.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the process would be carried out under the law and existing procedures.
“The revocation of firearms privileges is a legal and procedural necessity, not a political act. We will fulfill our mandate with discipline, transparency, and full respect for human rights,” Nartatez said.
He said any review, suspension, or revocation of firearms privileges would be handled strictly in accordance with regulations.
“These actions form part of the PNP’s mandate to ensure responsible firearm ownership and safeguard public safety,” Nartatez said.
The PNP assured the public that it would continue coordinating with concerned offices and carry out its duties in a fair, lawful, and professional manner.