Travel To The Philippines

[MBaban]

Who has traveled to the Philippines for competition? What paperwork are to be filed and with whom? MBaban

[Vince Pinto]

MBaban,

You need a "Permit To Transport" issued by the Philippine National Police, Firearms & Explosives Division (PNP/FED), but these are arranged for you by the Philippine Practical Shooting Association (PPSA), who are IPSC Philippines. The correct contact is my pal and PPSA Secretary Mr. Dojo Palines on dojopalines@yahoo.com.

You'll need to tell Dojo your gun(s) make, model, calibre & serial number, the number of rounds of each calibre you intend to bring, and the name of the match you plan to attend. Of course you must also be a member of your IPSC region of residence, and this is confirmed by your Regional Director when he endorses your intended participation in any IPSC shooting matches. This is standard IPSC protocol, which also provides comfort to those who don't know you personally that you're actually qualified to shoot IPSC.

BTW, note that the PTT is not a "Permit To Carry" (PTC), a different document, which you cannot get as a tourist, however the PTT allows you to move your guns between your hotel and the range under your own steam in a case or bag.

Having said all that, there's currently a Presidential Election related "gun ban" in force (this occurs every few years), and it usually lasts for a few months, but Dojo can give you the latest information.

Hope this helps.