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Philippines — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns held by civilians in the Philippines is 3,900,0001

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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The rate of private gun ownership in the Philippines is 4.71 firearms per 100 people

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, the Philippines ranked at No. 202

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Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, the Philippines ranked at No. 1051

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Number of Licensed Firearm Owners

The number of licensed gun owners in the Philippines is reported to be 358,9343

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Rate of Licensed Firearm Owners per 100 Population

The rate of licensed firearm owners in the Philippines is 0.454 per 100 people

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Number of Registered Firearms

The number of registered guns in the Philippines is reported to be 775,0002

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Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

The rate of registered firearms per 100 people in the Philippines is 0.864

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Number of Privately Owned Rifles

In the Philippines, the number of rifles in civilian possession is reported to be 68,7383

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Number of Privately Owned Shotguns

In the Philippines, the number of shotguns in civilian possession is reported to be 78,6893

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Number of Privately Owned Handguns

There are reportedly 325,5643 handguns in civilian possession in the Philippines

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Estimated Number of Illicit Firearms

Unlawfully held guns cannot be counted, but in the Philippines there are estimated to be 160,7503

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Estimated Rate of Illicit Firearms per 100 Population

Unlawfully held guns cannot be counted, but in the Philippines there are estimated to be 0.204 illicit firearms per 100 people

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of the Philippines are reported to have 449,3505 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in the Philippines are reported to have 139,0436 firearms

ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn the Philippines, annual homicides by any means total

2009: 4,9477
2008: 5,820
2007: 5,962
2006: 3,2968 7
2005: 3,240
2004: 3,5159 7
2003: 3,983
2002: 6,5537
2001: 5,852
2000: 5,735
1999: 5,703
1998: 5,913

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn the Philippines, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2009: 5.47
2008: 6.57 10
2007: 6.7
2006: 7.1
2005: 7.5
2004: 7.6
2003: 7.8
2002: 8.1
2001: 7.4
2000: 7.4
1999: 7.5
1998: 8.0
1997: 14.6310

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Gun Homicides

ChartIn the Philippines, annual firearm homicides total

2002: 7,70811
2001: 6,169

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn the Philippines, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2002: 3.2411
2001: 3.25

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Suicides (any method)

In the Philippines, annual suicides by any means total

1993: 85112

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Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

In the Philippines, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

1993: 1.0612

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In the Philippines, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence13 3

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Small Arms Manufacture - World Ranking

In a classification of the world's small, medium and major firearm manufacturers, the Philippines is ranked 'small'14

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Home-made Guns

In the Philippines the prevalence of illicit craft, or 'home-made' firearm manufacture is reported to be high15 16

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

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Regulation of Firearm Exports

In the Philippines, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law 17

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Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from the Philippines is reported to be US$19,800,73518 (2011)

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Small Arms Exports - World Ranking

In a comparison of the world's major/mid-level/minor/unknown small arms exporters, the Philippines is categorized as 'minor'19

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Regulation of Firearm Imports

In the Philippines, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law 17

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to the Philippines is reported to be US$27,266,39118 (2011)

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Smuggling Guns and Ammunition

Reports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in the Philippines is high20 21

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Market Cost of an AK-47 Assault Rifle (US$)

The asking price for an AK-47 pattern assault weapon in the Philippines is reported to be US$32822

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In the Philippines, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law17

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Transparency of Small Arms Transfers

In the most recent survey of state transparency when declaring firearm and ammunition exports, the Philippines was ranked number 34 among 49 major small arms exporting nations in 2011, with a score of 9.00 points of a possible total of 2523

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in the Philippines is categorised as restrictive24

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in the Philippines includes the 21 individual Executive Orders, Laws, Acts, Memorandums, Presidential Decrees, Directives and Amendments17

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in the Philippines are regulated by the Firearms and Explosives Division of the Philippine National Police3

Prohibited Firearms and Ammunition

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Regulation of Handguns

In the Philippines, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence, for hunting, shooting and protection only3

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Gun Owner Licensing

In the Philippines, only licensed gun owners25 3 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Licence

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in the Philippines are required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example, hunting, target shooting, personal protection, security3

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in the Philippines is 21 years3

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in the Philippines undefined26 required to pass background checks

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in the Philippines stipulates27 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Licensing Records

In the Philippines, authorities maintain a record28 of individual civilians licensed to acquire, possess, sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In the Philippines, the law requires28 29 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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State-Owned Firearm Records

In the Philippines, State agencies are required30 to maintain records of the storage and movement of all firearms and ammunition under their control

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in the Philippines do not include3 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in the Philippines include3 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Marking

In the Philippines, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law25

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Firearm Tracing

In the Philippines, state authorities carry out25 31 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Ballistic Marking of Firearms and Ammunition

In the Philippines, state authorities employ28 31 ballistic fingerprinting technology to trace guns and ammunition

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In the Philippines, the maximum penalty for illicit possession of firearms is 6 years prison and a $300 fine32

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

At the resumption of the most recent session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (UNCCPCJ), a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council mandated to promote action to prevent national and transnational crime, the Philippines was listed as an elected member for a three-year term of office33

United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

In 2009, the Philippines voted to begin34 negotiations towards a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty. In this vote, 151 UN Member States supported talks on an ATT, with 1 voting against, 20 abstentions, and 20 non-votes

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United Nations Firearms Protocol

The United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has not been signed35 by the Philippines

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, the Philippines committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects36

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UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, the Philippines has submitted one or more national reports37 17 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In the Philippines, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated38 17

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UNPoA National Coordinating Body

In the Philippines, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has not been designated38 17

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UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and Support

In National Reports of the Philippines submitted to the UN, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities is apparent17

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UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated17 by the Philippines to other UN Member States

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UNPoA International Assistance – Recipient

Funds for UNPoA implementation have been provided17 to the Philippines by other UN Member States

United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, the Philippines has declared2 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, the Philippines has been a Member State of the United Nations since 194539

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list40 the Philippines as a Participating State

Short References

1.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms - Annexe online.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)Full Citation

2.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation

3.

United Nations.1999.‘Analysis of Country Responses.’ United Nations International Study on Firearm Regulation.Vienna:UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division,30 August. (Q1)Full Citation

4.

GunPolicy.org.2011.‘Calculated Rates – Philippines.’ Historical Population Data – USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,17 March. (Q4310)Full Citation

5.

Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q6)Full Citation

6.

Karp, Aaron.2012.‘Table 2 - Examples of Police Firearms Per Officer in Selected Countries.’ Armed Actors - Estimating Law Enforcement Firearms.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,1 December. (Q6545)Full Citation

7.

UNODC.2011.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Philippines.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,6 October. (Q6315)Full Citation

8.

UNODC.2008.‘Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed.’ Tenth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2005-2006).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,10 December. (Q10)Full Citation

9.

UNODC.2006.‘Reported Overall Homicide Numbers and Rates per 100,000 Population for 64 Countries, 2003-04.’ Ninth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2003 – 2004).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,10 December. (Q9)Full Citation

10.

Petrini, Benjamin.2011.‘East Asia and the Pacific, 1995-2008, Total Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed, Rate per 100,000 Population.’ World Bank Homicide Rate Dataset 1995-2008.Washington DC:Social Development Department, World Bank,10 February. (Q3814)Full Citation

11.

UNODC.2005.‘Recorded Homicide and Firearm Homicide in 53 Countries, Completed or Attempted.’ Eighth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2001-2002).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,15 April. (Q1077)Full Citation

12.

Jackson, Thomas.2005.‘Global Gun Deaths.’ NISAT Firearm Mortality Database 2005.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 January. (Q12)Full Citation

13.

Capie, David.2002.‘Who Exports?.’ Small Arms Production and Transfers in South East Asia.Canberra:Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University,1 January. (Q1099)Full Citation

14.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘Ranking of World's Small Arms Producers (By Sales).’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q103)Full Citation

15.

Small Arms Survey.2008.‘Global Overview of Countries Producing Light Weapons 1947-2007.’ Small Arms Survey 2008: Risk and Resilience.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,14 July. (Q1130)Full Citation

16.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘Illicit Production – South East Asia.’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q1062)Full Citation

17.

UNODA.2009.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) – Implementation Support System.New York:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,29 October. (Q1309)Full Citation

18.

Marsh, Nicholas.2013.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,14 February. (Q16)Full Citation

19.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘60 Known Legal Small Arms Exporting Countries, 2001.’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q867)Full Citation

20.

Philippines.2008.‘Challenges and Obstacles Met in the Implementation of the PoA.’ 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).New York:Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations,31 March. (Q1108)Full Citation

21.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘Illicit Transfers.’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q1109)Full Citation

22.

World Bank.2007.‘Available Kalashnikov Prices for Specific Countries and Periods.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q3)Full Citation

23.

Lazarevic, Jasna.2011.‘Small Arms Trade Transparency Barometer 2011, covering major exporters.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5354)Full Citation

24.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A Staff Report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

25.

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).New York:Permanent Mission of Philippines to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4673)Full Citation

26.

Kramer, Katherine.2001.‘No General Requirements for Firearm Licence.’ Legal Controls on Small Arms and Light Weapons in South East Asia.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies and Nonviolence International South East Asia,1 July. (Q1080)Full Citation

27.

Kramer, Katherine.2001.‘Licensing Criteria.’ Legal Controls on Small Arms and Light Weapons in South East Asia.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies and Nonviolence International South East Asia,1 July. (Q1932)Full Citation

28.

Philippines.2010.‘National Standards and Procedures for Stockpile Management and Security.’ 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).New York:Permanent Mission of Philippines to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4671)Full Citation

29.

Fernan Marasigan. 2003. ‘Bogus Gun Permits Alarm Ebdane; Hi-Tech Cards Eyed.’ Today (Manila). 24 January. (N114) Full Citation

30.

Philippines.2010.‘Stockpile Management and Security.’ 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).New York:Permanent Mission of Philippines to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4672)Full Citation

31.

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).New York:Permanent Mission of Philippines to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4674)Full Citation

32.

Philippines.1997.‘Stiffer Penalties Amendment to Presidential Decree No. 1866.’ Philippines Republic Act No. 8294 (1997).Manila:House of Representatives,6 June. (Q1095)Full Citation

33.

UNCCPCJ / UNODC.1991.‘Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.’ United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.Vienna:United Nations Economic and Social Council / United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,1 January. (Q3222)Full Citation

34.

UNGA.2009.‘Towards an Arms Trade Treaty: Establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.’ UN Resolution A/RES/64/48.New York:United Nations General Assembly,2 June. (Q1886)Full Citation

35.

UNGA.2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation

36.

UNGA.2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation

37.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation

38.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q166)Full Citation

39.

UN.2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation

40.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation