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Renewal of firearms permit extended
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Posted on Feb 12 2009
Due to the remaining number of unregistered firearms, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Santiago Tudela has extended the deadline for gun owners to renew any expired firearms permit and/or transfer of firearms for another 30 days, from Jan. 16, 2009 to Feb. 16, 2009.
DPS believes that this is sufficient notice for all gun owners to renew or transfer their firearms. DPS patrol units have delivered final notices to individuals informing them to transfer/renew their gun permits. Any person who is in possession of illegal firearms and/or ammunition after Feb. 16, 2009, will be dealt with according to the law.
DPS resident directors on Tinian and Rota have been informed of this matter and will also ensure that people are in compliance of the law and not possessing illegal firearms and/or ammunition.
Individuals who wish to relinquish ownership of their firearms must voluntarily and peacefully surrender his/her firearm and/or ammunition to DPS for proper disposal. Firearms with expired permits that are within the DPS Armory Section’s custody will be disposed of after Feb. 16, 2009.
As of Feb. 10, 2009, CNMI Range Master Ambrosio Ogumoro has confirmed the number of remaining unregistered firearms. For the island of Saipan, of the 800 firearms that were previously declared as unregistered, 250 firearm permits remain unregistered. For the island of Rota, 60 gun permits remain expired. On Tinian, the DPS resident director of Tinian confirmed that all firearm permit holders have successfully renewed their firearms.
The Department of Public Safety would like to inform gun owners that registering their firearms will benefit the community by not only promoting public safety and reducing the sale of stolen guns but also reducing the risk of potential loss of life within the community. [B][I](DPS)[/I][/B]
