(Photo courtesy of PIA)
CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela – More than 200 firearm owners and applicants accessed licensing and registration services during a two-day caravan organized by the Provincial Government of Isabela on October 29 and 30, 2026.
Held at the Isabela Provincial Capitol, the activity aimed to simplify government transactions while promoting legal and responsible firearm ownership.
The caravan provided services for the License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and firearm registration, allowing residents to process requirements without traveling to distant government offices.
Public Order and Safety Officer Kim Patrick Agbayani said the initiative, organized through the Provincial Government’s Public Safety Office (PSO), was designed to bring essential services closer to residents.
Agbayani emphasized that the activity also sought to educate firearm owners about their legal responsibilities and the importance of proper firearm handling.
He said owning a firearm requires discipline, accountability, and strict compliance with existing laws and regulations to prevent accidents and misuse.
Participating agencies provided services necessary for firearm licensing and registration, including neuropsychiatric examinations, drug testing, and police clearance.
Agbayani highlighted the importance of coordination among government agencies and law enforcement units in ensuring efficient processing while maintaining licensing standards.
The caravan also featured a gun safety seminar conducted by MEPSA Gun Club, which discussed proper firearm handling, safe use, and responsible ownership.
Agbayani said the educational component was particularly important amid reports of firearm-related incidents in schools, underscoring the need for stronger safety awareness and preventive measures.
He stressed that responsible firearm ownership goes beyond securing permits and registration documents, requiring continued adherence to safety practices and the law.
The provincial government said the initiative forms part of its efforts to improve public access to government services while strengthening cooperation with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders.
Agbayani reiterated that ensuring firearm safety is a shared responsibility between authorities and gun owners, with the protection of lives and public safety remaining the primary concern.
