Owners of airsoft guns, gun clubs and its members, and operators of airsoft playgrounds and firing ranges are urged to inquire the nearest local police station about requirements for this type of sporting weapon. P/Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, Region 7 director of the PNP-Firearms, Explosives, Security Agencies and Guards Supervisory Section said his office has started conducting lectures and briefings with various airsoft gun clubs in Central Visayas to inform the public about PNP Circular No. 8 issued by PNP Chief Oscar Calderon recently.

Lawas said the document is about the "Rules and Regulations Governing the Manufacture, Importation, Exportation, Sale , Possession, Carrying of Airsoft Rifles/Pistols and Operation of Airsoft Gun Clubs and Playgrounds".

A PNP definition of an airsoft rifle/pistol includes battery-operated, spring and gas type powered rifles/pistols which discharge plastic or rubber pellets only as bullets or ammunition.

As a toy, an airsoft gun refers to those manufactured as an exact replica of a real armament with all its specifications and corresponding intellectual property sign or logo.

While these can now be registered according to specific guidelines, airsoft rifles and pistols have limitations which, Lawas said, must be observed and adhered to strictly by owners and users as well as importers and dealers.

An airsoft gun must be properly licensed accompanied by specified requirements and can only be used within a designated playground that is duly authorized such as a licensed firing range.

While in transit, airsoft rifles and pistols shall be secured in their cases and a permit to transport is also required for the carrier to bring it from the residence to the designated playground or firing range.

Only registered airsoft guns can be used in airsoft wargames at a licensed playground, the latter of which cannot also be opened to the public for safety reasons.

Wargames must have the necessary permit and the nearest police station has to be informed of the activity prior to its holding, Lawas said.

He urged airsoft gun owners, gun clubs, and operators of airsoft playgrounds and firing ranges to coordinate with the local police to be guided accordingly as to the proper use, transport and other matters pertaining to this particular type of sporting firearm.

He also warned of strict penalties and fines against those found violating laws that cover airsoft rifles and pistols.

Meanwhile, a seminar on airsoft rifles and pistols is scheduled in Dumaguete on July 21. It is being facilitated by the Dumaguete Police Force headed by its chief, P/Supt. Dionardo Carlos. Lawas will be among the speakers during the said activity.*JG

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