Gun politics in the Philippines

Most laws regarding civilian ownership of firearms in the Philippines concern registration and background checks. There is also focus on disarming various militant groups, such as the Islamic separatist groups in Mindanao and the communist rebel groups such as the New People's Army. The Philippines has also enacted laws as a result of many incidents of armed political violence during elections.

Gun control in the Philippines became infamous during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos, who implemented gun confiscations against citizens. These were part of his martial law regime, what he referred to as "The New Society" or the Bagong Lipunan, as well as to quell the Moro separatist groups in Mindanao. After then, gun control has become a moderate and strong issue in the Philippines.

The ownership of firearms in the Philippines is regulated by the Firearms and Explosives Division of the Philippine National Police. In order to possess a firearm in the Philippines, a person must be at a minimum age of 21 years and pass a background check to be issued a Possession License. They must also take a firearms training and safety course. Any history of mental illnesses and/or domestic violence within the individual or the family will cause an applicant to have his request rejected.

Guns are used for hunting, target shooting, self-protection and security purposes. Filipinos can carry pistols and handguns in the public via the acquiring of a Permit to Carry.

PROGUN is the main gun lobby of the Philippines, which is an organization meant to protect Filipino gun rights as well as to endorse politicians who will do so.

According to a 2014 date, there are 1,700,000 licensed firearms owners and 3,900,000 privately owned guns (legally and illegally) in the country.

Gun control was a small issue in the Philippines. However, this became an issue during the various armed insurgencies that plagued the country in the 1960s and 1970s by Islamic militants in Mindanao and communist groups throughout the country.

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