LTOPF Process 2016

Originally posted March 23, 2016

We have seen a lot of changes to the License to Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF) requirements and application process since I first wrote my LTOPF guide in 2014. Today, I’d like to share an updated version of that.

Acquiring a License to Own and Possess Firearm is no longer as hard as you think or may have heard any more. It will still take some effort on your part but it has been improved since 2014. The Philippine National Police (PNP) since the early portion of 2015 has worked hard to improve the process and make it client friendly through the efforts of the stake holders from the firearm industry and of course, through the comments and inputs provided by the community.

The most often question that we get is this, how many days do I need to allot for this? Our answer: one day (assuming you already have your NBI clearance), two days max.

Let’s start discussing the details. Below is a list of the amended LTOPF requirements as implemented last July 2015 by then PNP OIC P/Deputy Dir. Gen. Leonardo Espina which aims to streamline the requirements for acquiring a license and lessening the redundancies from the first version.

For more infomation, click here

Let’s breakdown each component of the LTOPF requirements.

1. Application Form & FEO picture taking
I’ve uploaded the LTOPF application form here for your convenience. Make sure to completely fill up the application form and ensure that the information entered are correct as this will be the basis of your LTOPF details during encoding at the Firearms & Explosives Office (FEO). While the PNP requires only two (2) copies, I highly suggest preparing three (3) copies. The third copy can be kept for your reference/receiving copy. Each form must have a 2×2 picture attached and must be duly notarized before submission.

You have two options at this point: 1. You may go to the FEO and have your picture taken and data encoded before completing your other requirements if you plan to have a representative submit your other documents when your test results come out or 2. You can have your picture taken and data encoded when you personally submit your complete requirements.

Average time for picture taking and data encoding: 10-30mins

What’s the difference between the two? Option #1 involves one trip to Crame and the rest of the leg work is up to your authorized representative to claim your test results and submit your complete documents (as long as you have already personally appeared at the FEO for picture taking and data encoding). While Option #2 will take about two trips, one to take all the tests, the second one to claim your test results and submit your requirements to the FEO.

Should you choose to go with Option #1, please print this Special Power of Attorney and Affidavit of Undertaking as additional attachments to your LTOPF application.

2. RTC/MTC Clearance or NBI Clearance
I’ve already discussed the process of getting an MTC/RTC Clearance through your local courts in our 2014 post and since the process hasn’t changed, I’ll skip that for this update. Just click on the link if you’d like to review the MTC/RTC clearance process.

This time, I’ll focus on getting an NBI Clearance which is 90% of the time easier for the majority of our applicants. Make your way to the NBI Clearance website: https://www.nbi-clearance.com/

Basically, if you’ve never applied for an online NBI clearance before, you’ll have to create an account by entering your personal information. After which you will be sent to a new screen showing your personal data and an option to “Apply for Clearance”. Click on that and you’ll be required to enter the ID number of your government issued ID. Follow the on screen instructions after, remember to select “Firearm License” under Purpose, choose your preferred NBI Branch and time slot for your appointment then select your preferred payment method. Follow the additional instructions regarding payment and confirmation.

Finally, proceed to your selected NBI Satellite Office on your selected appointment date and time for your NBI Clearance.

Tip: I learned from a friend and recently experiencing it myself, it is better to get an afternoon appointment if you can because there are less applicants in the afternoon.

Average time for releasing of NBI clearance (assuming you have no hits): 30mins

3. Directorate for Intelligence (DI) Clearance
One of the projects of former Chief, FEO P/Sr. Supt. Siervo was establishing a one stop payment window for Crame based requirements to ease the load of the Camp Crame branch of Landbank and to make it more convenient for applicants who used to walk from each PNP office to Landbank. No more extra leg work for the applicants just to pay for their tests!

(Applicants are now just required to line up at the DI office to pay for the following: DI clearance fee (P80), Neuro Psych testing fee (P900), Drug testing fee (P300) & their gun safety seminar validation fee (P100).)

Upon payment, the applicant will submit his/her DI receipt to the DI window right beside the payment window and wait for their turn to have their photo taken. A few minutes later, the DI clearance will be printed and released to the applicant.

Remember: Make sure to bring your residence certificate (aka Cedula) before applying for your clearance.

Average time for your DI Clearance (including payment of fees): 15-30mins

4. Drug Test (DT) Clearance
A few meters away (walking distance) from the DI office is the PTCFOR office where the PNP Crime Lab has set up a satellite office for their testing purposes. Applicants will be provided a form to fill up and will need to present a valid ID along with the receipt as proof of payment. Upon completion of the test, the receipt will be returned to the applicant with a date when the results will be ready for pick up.

Average time for your Drug Test: 5-15mins.
Average releasing of results: 1 week

5. Neuro Psychiatric (NP) Clearance
Right beside the PTCFOR office is the PNP Health Service and on the 2nd floor of the hospital is the Neuro Psychiatric Section where applicants will take the written exam and oral interview for their NP clearance. First step is to present your valid ID and receipt of payment. You’ll be given a form to fill up and your picture will be taken before you can start the written portion of the test. You MAY request for an English or Tagalog version of the exam, whichever is more convenient for you.

The test on an average takes two (2) to two and a half hours. Assuming you start in the morning and finish by lunch time, the doctors there will ask you to take lunch first and return by 1pm for your interview. After the interview, do not forget to claim your receipt which will have the date when your results will be ready.

Reminder: Bring a 2×2 picture & pen. Do not forget to eat before your written exam. Do not go in tired or hungry.

Average time for your NP Exam (including oral interview): 2 and a half hours to 3 hours.
Average releasing of results: 1 week

6. NSO Birth Certificate or Philippine Passport
Before June 2015, the only accepted form of proof of citizenship was the NSO Birth Certificate but the PNP has revised that to include your Philippine Passport since it serves the same purpose of showing that you are a Filipino citizen. So NSO Birth Certificate or Philippine Passport, take your pick!

Link to our 2014 LTOPF guide for the NSO Online process.

7. Certificate of Gun Safety and Responsible Gun Ownership (GSRGO) Seminar
A GSRGO certificate may only come from the following:

1. a PNP FEO Accredited Gun Club. (Click here for a link to accredited GCs throughout the Philippines)
2. Certification from PNP HRDD for active PNP personnel or Authenticated copy of Retirement Order for PNP and AFP retirees
3. Certification from Head of Unit/Office of the AFP and other Law Enforcement Agencies indicating that the said applicant who is an organic member of their respective Units/Offices had undergone Gun Safety Training/Seminar.

8. Proof of Billing
Proof of billing in the name of the applicant with (this is very important) the address stated being the SAME address you indicated on your application form (aka Primary Address). If you do not have any billing to your name, the supplemental options allows presenting a billing in the name of your spouse but you must attach a Marriage Contract or present a Barangay Clearance (original) for LTOPF purpose.

9. Valid ID
Photocopy of any one (1) government issued valid (not expired) ID. Examples are: Driver’s License, Postal ID, SSS ID, etc.

10. Proof of Income/Qualification
The following are now accepted as your proof of income/qualification:

1. Pay Slip & original Certificate of Employment
2. Income Tax Return (ITR)
3. W2 for government employees/2316 Form for civilians
4. Certificate of Pension for retirees
5. Bank Certificate of Deposit
6. Land Title/Certification from Brgy. Chairman & Chief of Police for proof of livelihood (for farmers only)
7. Other documents that may prove source of income (Lease contracts for landlords, etc.)

That’s it! I hope we were able to clarify the updated LTOPF for you and I really hope we have encouraged you to give it a try.

Do you still have questions? Call us at 798.2194 or 989.3586 or 0917.673.6761 or email us at sales@darc-ph.com or go to our Facebook page and we’ll address any of your concerns to the best of our abilities.