DPS concedes defective issuance of gun permits

Police commissioner Santiago Tudela admitted yesterday that his department issued some 30 firearm permits without making the gun owners undergo the mandatory safety education class.

Tudela’s admission came about as lawmakers called for an investigation on the alleged improper issuance of firearm permits, in violation of Public Law 14-51, which took effect earlier this year.

“The department released some of the firearm permits,” Tudela said. “We cannot continue to hold the firearm permit [applications]. Those people need guns.”

He accepted the blame over the issuance of permits as head of the Department of Public Safety, but said that the delay in the implementation of the safety-training requirement was due to “the fact that the course outline and instructional materials for the class have not been completed.”

House Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations chair Jesus Lizama has asked the Department of Public Safety to shed light on the alleged illegal issuance of gun permits this year.

In a May 3 letter to Tudela, Lizama asked for DPS’ “status report” on the implementation of Public Law 14-51.

During a session last week, Rep. Ramon Tebuteb had called for a legislative probe on the alleged issuance of at least 20 firearm permits to applicants without requiring them to attend the safety education class.

“I look forward to your report on the veracity of Rep. Tebuteb’s claim that DPS may not currently be enforcing the new law,” said Lizama.

In his response to Lizama, Tudela said: “It is unfortunate that the implementation process is taking longer than what was originally estimated it would take. The issue concerning the release of several firearm permits was based on the condition that each firearm owner would attend the class as soon as we are ready to conduct it.”

Tudela disclosed in a media conference yesterday that the first firearm education training as mandated by the new law would be held on Saturday at the police academy. Ambrosio Ogumoro, a National Rifle Association-certified trainor, will conduct the training.

The DPS also scheduled training for gun owners on Tinian and Rota on May 28 and 21, respectively.

DPS spokesman Eric David said those required to undergo training should bring their own ammunitions.

During the session last week, Rep. Tebuteb said he learned about the non-enforcement of the law following a recent check with DPS. Tebuteb said that if the allegation is true, the permits should be recalled.

“If applicants were given the permits without the mandatory firearm education, I want DPS to recall the permits,” he said.

P.L. 14-51, authored by Tebuteb, was signed into law in January this year.

The mandatory class is part of the government’s goal to equip gun users with the necessary knowledge on firearms’ use to ensure public safety and protection.

There are some 2,000 registered firearms in the CNMI. (With Liberty Dones)