‘Reclaim guns in 60 days or else’

The Department of Public Safety yesterday warned gun owners who have not renewed their permits that it would seize or destroy their firearms if they don’t claim them within 60 days.

But DPS spokesman Eric David clarified that only some 300 firearms are being held at the department’s armory for safekeeping due to expired permits—not 3,000 as claimed by House Rep. Ramon Tebuteb.

David said 3,000 is an exaggerated figure, which would have included even the entire police department’s firearms.

“Effective [yesterday], if they [gun owners] do not come in within 60 days, we are going to dispose of their weapons,” David said. Alternatively, the police department may just confiscate them for its use.

Civilians may obtain permits for guns with calibers ranging from .22 to .410.

Meanwhile, the police department conceded that Tebuteb has a legitimate concern over the non-implementation of Public Law 14-51, which made gun safety education as a mandatory requirement for obtaining a permit. Tebuteb authored the bill that became enacted to that law.

Tebuteb earlier expressed concern over the issuance of permits to gun owners despite the lack of gun safety education.

DPS commissioner Santiago Tudela admitted the issuance of some permits, saying that there was delay in the implementation of the program as the department was in the process of completing the course outline and instructional materials.

David said the department would correct the situation, saying that gun owners who have obtained permits would be required to take the gun safety training, or their permits would be revoked.

The department would conduct the first firearm education training at the DPS Academy beginning 9am today. David reminded those who would take the class that they would have to pay a $10 fee.

“We are doing everything possible to comply with the law that was passed in January 2005,” David said.

Those who could not attend the training today would have to wait for the next class schedule that DPS would announce. For Rota and Tinian, the department has slated classes on May 21 and 28, respectively. Ambrosio Ogumoro, a National Rifle Association-certified trainer, will conduct the training.

“If they [gun owners] do not attend the class, their licenses will be revoked,” David said.