Recognition of Initial Firearms Records Verification Issued by the Regional Civil Service Units, Civil Security Group
OCA Circular No. 63-2021 directs all judges of the First and Second Level Courts in the Philippines to recognize and accept Initial Firearms Records Verification issued by the Regional Civil Security Units (RCSUs) as valid supporting evidence for determining probable cause in court proceedings. This decision follows a request from PNP Chief Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar, aiming to streamline the verification process nationwide. However, the authority to issue formal Certifications of Firearms Records Verification for court use remains with the Records Section of the Firearms Licensing Division. The existing OCA Circular No. 11-2011 continues to be in effect. All concerned parties are instructed to comply with these guidelines.
May 19, 2021
OCA CIRCULAR NO. 63-2021
| TO | : | All Judges of the First and Second Level Courts |
| RE | : | Recognition of Initial Firearms Records Verification Issued by the Regional Civil Service Units, Civil Security Group |
Acting on the letter of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar, informing the Office of the Court Administrator that the "authority to issue the Initial Firearms Records Verification can be delegated to the (Regional Civil Security Units) to ensure that all requests nationwide will be catered without unnecessary delay," pursuant to NHQ-PNP General Order No. DPL-15-21, dated 5 April 2016, activating the Regional Civil Security Units (RCSUs), Civil Security Group (CSG) and NAPOLCOM Resolution Nos. 2016-247 1 and 2021-0418, 2 all first and second level courts are hereby directed to recognize and accept as supporting evidence the Initial Firearms Records Verification issued by the RCSU, CSG for purposes of determining probable cause under Sec. 5, Rule 112, Rules of Court.
However, the authority to issue the Certification of Firearms Records Verification required in court proceedings shall remain with the Records Section, Firearms Licensing Division, Firearms and Explosives Office, CSG. Accordingly, OCA Circular No. 11-2011, dated 18 January 2011, remains valid and in effect.
For the guidance and compliance of all concerned.
(SGD.) JOSE MIDAS P. MARQUEZCourt Administrator
Footnotes
1. Approving the Activation of the Regional Civil Security Units in all Police Regional Office, dated 5 April 2016.
2. Approving the Activation of the Regional Civil Security Unit-National Capital Region (RCSU-NCR), dated 15 April 2021.