MANILA, Philippines – After a widespread debate on gun control was spurred by a series of shooting incidents over the last 6 months, the Philippine National Police (PNP) recently issued new guidelines in acquiring permits to carry guns.

In a press release on Thursday, June 27, the PNP said it will now require gun owners to submit their biometric fingerprint specimen and photograph in their application for a Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR).

Read: Want to own a gun? Here’s how easy it is

The new requirements aim to improve the database of firearms in the country and the process in issuing firearms and permits.

It is also one of the PNP’s means to minimize the number of delinquent gun owners and those carrying loose firearms – especially because organized crime groups and wanted persons most often use loose firearms in committing crimes.

PNP records show there are 1.6 million licensed firearms in the Philippines. A third of all licensed guns belong to the military and police. PNP estimates that there are nearly 600,000 loose or unregistered firearms in the country.

Over the past 6 months, the PNP has been conducting Oplan “Katok” (Knock), wherein cops carry out house visits to check in on the status of registered guns and their owners. Police have completed 464,996 house visits to remind owners with expired licenses to update their firearms records. – Rappler.com