Yes, blank firing guns are legal in the Philippines but strictly regulated under the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591) and PNP Memorandum Circular No. 2021-001. Unregistered possession or use in public spaces violates firearms laws, with penalties including fines up to ₱500,000 or imprisonment. Local government units may impose additional ordinances, particularly in high-density urban areas.
Key Regulations for Blank Firing Guns in Philippines
- Registration Requirement: Must be registered with the Philippine National Police (PNP) under RA 10591, with serial numbers and ownership details documented. Failure to register risks confiscation under PNP Firearms Rules.
- Calibre Restrictions: Only .22, 9mm, or .38 caliber blank-firing guns are permitted; larger calibres require special permits from the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO).
- Public Use Prohibition: Blank firing guns cannot be carried in public without a Permit to Carry (PTC), per PNP MC 2021-001. Violations trigger immediate legal action under RA 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act) if linked to unauthorized assemblies.
Recent 2026 compliance shifts mandate digital tracking of blank-firing gun transactions via the PNP Integrated Firearms Management System (IFMS), aligning with Executive Order No. 2023-002 on digitized firearms licensing. Local ordinances in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao further restrict blank gun use in commercial zones or near schools.