Local Media1535103422374938453

REVIEW NOTES IN FORENSIC BALLISTICS
INTRODUCTION TO forensic
CHAPTER I Ballistics
A. BASIC TERMS AND CONCEPTS TO PONDER
BALLISTICS
 In general or in its broadest sense is defined as the science that deals with the study of motion of projectiles.
 Technically, it refers to the science of firearm identification.
 Based on etymology of terms, it was derived from the Greek word “ballo” or “ballein” which means, “to throw”.
Its root was said to be derived from the name of early Roman war machine called the “ballista” a gigantic bow or
catapult that hurls stones in killing enemies and wild animals.
 From these words the modern term FORENSIC BALLISTICS was derived to indicate the science of moving
projectile or the science of investigation and identification of firearms and ammunitions used in crime.
FORENSIC
 It is an adjective referring to formal eloquence or consequently formal discussion. More broadly, the word
Forensic has come almost synonymous with the word Legal.
 Greek or European word “forum” meaning a market place, where people gathered for “public
disputation” or public discussion, or means debatable, argumentation in relation to the court of
justice.
FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION
 It also known as FORENSIC BALLISTICS or simply BALLISTICS in the country have come one and the same thing in
the mind of the people and particularly among police officers as the study of the motion of projectile.
 In its narrowest meaning, is the science by which one can determine whether or not a particular bullet was fired
from a particular gun.
 In its broadest definition, it is the knowledge with which one is enabled to reveal any pertinent facts about
firearms or ammunition which assist in the investigation of a crime or incident in which either is involved.
BRANCHES OF BALLISTICS
1. INTERIOR BALLISTICS
 Treats of the motion of projectile while still inside the firearm.
Physics of firing Ammunition: (firing a cartridge is a physical and chemical reaction that takes place in a split second)
1. The chain reaction starts with the pulling of the trigger, which releases the firing pin.
2. firing pin hitting the primer
3. ignition of the priming mixture creating a small flame
4. the flame ignites the gun powder that rapidly burns a high volume of gas, expansion of the heated gases in
very high pressure
5. the gas pushes the bullet along as it travels to the muzzle
6. recoil of the gun
7. velocity of the bullet inside the barrel
8. rotation of the bullet inside the bore
9. Engravings of the cylindrical surface of bullet.
10. Case cools, shrinks to nearly original size, allowing case to be ejected.
2. TRANSITIONAL BALLISTICS
 Also known as intermediate ballistics, it is the study of a projectile's behavior from the time it leaves the muzzle
until the pressure behind the projectile is equalized. It lies between internal ballistics and external ballistics.
3. EXTERIOR BALLISTICS
 Treats of the motion of projectile from the time it leaves the muzzle of the firearm and at the time it reaches the
target.
Ss2K 1
It Involves the ff:

a. Muzzle Blast – the sound created at the muzzle end of the gun by the reason of the sudden escape of the
expanding gas when it comes to instant contact with the air in the surrounding atmosphere at muzzle point.
b. Muzzle energy – energy –this is the potential force that any bullet might exert at any particular point in its
trajectory.
 It is expressed in foot-pound, a term derived from the force exerted by a weight of one pound when
dropped at a height of one foot.
c. Trajectory – the actual curve path of the bullet during its flight from the gun muzzle to the target.
d. Range – the straight distance between muzzle and target.
1. Accurate/effective range – the distance within which the shooter has control of his shots
or the distance at which the projectile can be expected to be lethal.
2. Maximum range – the farthest distance that a projectile can be propelled from a firearm.
e. Velocity – rate of speed of the bullet per unit of time. (Ft/sec.)
1. Yaw – is the unstable rotating motion of projectile while in flight. It can be corrected by using a
WINDAGE to be place or attached in the rear sight portion for adjustment.
2. Gyroscopic Action – refers to the stillness of is rotating motion and attain its highest momentum for
stability in flight penetrating power.
3. Key hole shot – bullet hitting the target not nose-on.
 Bullets from rifled weapons spin at 2000 to 3000 revolutions a seconds but over the
first few yards of trajectory – distance varied with the weapon –their flight is slightly
unstable; the end of the projectile wobbles before it picks up a smooth flight path.
This phenomenon is known as “TAILWAG”, and is considerable important in
evaluating gunshot wounds. A bullet with “tailwag” does not strike its target cleanly
f. Air resistance (Drag) – resistance encountered by the bullet while in flight.
Bow resistance – air pressure at the head of the bullet.
Skin friction – air moving along the middle portion of the body of the bullet.
Base Drag – Pressure and disturbance of air behind the base of the bullet.
g. Pull of gravity – the downward reaction of the bullet towards earth center due to its weight.
h. Penetration – depth of entry on target.
4. TERMINAL BALLISTICS
 It is the study of the behavior of a projectile when it hits its target. It is often referred to as stopping power
when dealing with human or other living targets.
Important Factors:
a. Terminal Accuracy – size of the bullet grouping on the target.
b. Terminal energy – the potential force that any bullet might exert at any particular point in its trajectory.
c. Terminal velocity – speed of the bullet upon striking the target.
d. Terminal penetration – depth of entry of the bullet on the target
Terminal ballistics phenomenon that may occur may be one or a combination of the following:
1. Indentation
2. Penetration
3. Perforation
4. Ricochet
5. Fragmentation
6. Detonation and other related blast phenomena
7. Combustion and incendiary effects
Ricochet – it is the tendency of a bullet to glance off an object or to skip, like a flat stone thrown out over a water
surface.
Note: these first four branches deals with the study of motion.
5. SHOT BALLISTICS
 Refers to the study of shots from smooth bore firearms like shotgun and muskets.
Ss2K 2
6. WOUND BALLISTICS
 It is the study of the effects of a projectile on a target and the conditions that affects them. Primarily concerned
with the nature and medical implications of physical injury and shock caused by bullets and explosively driven
fragments.
3 Basic Kinds of Gunshot Wound (GSW) distinguished by the proximity of the weapon causing them:
1. Contact – gun muzzle is pressed against, or within an inch or two, of the body.
2. Close Discharge – 6 inches to 2ft
3. Distance discharge – over 2 to 3 ft.
7. FORENSIC BALLISTICS
 Study of firearm identification by means of ammunition fired from them. This branch applies ballistics principles
to elucidate legal matters.
Divisions:
a. Field Investigations
b. Technical Examinations of the Ballistic Exhibits
c. Legal Proceedings/Court Duty
 Firearm Examiner (Ballistician) – person, whose knowledge in firearms identification is accepted by
the court and other investigation,
 Expert – as used in court includes all witnesses whose opinions are admitted on ground of
specialized knowledge, training and experience.
Development of firearms
CHAPTER II Important personalities
and dates
DEVELOPMENT OF FIREARMS:
 Man never satisfied with himself, he is always trying to improve himself and its surrounding. He created
some crude or primitive weapons, which were subsequently developed into sophisticated firearms of
modern times. The following are the stages of development of man’s weapon:
1. Stones 6. Bows and arrows
2. Clubs 7. Cross- bows
3. Knives 8. guns
4. Spears and darts 9. missiles
5. slingshots to hurl objects
Important Personalities in the Study of Forensic Ballistics
1. Col. Calvin H. Goddard, MD., OS, U.S. Army

 Father of Modern Ballistics.
2. Charles Dochester and George Sullivan
 Formed the ARMALITE business in 1950, occasionally the home of manufacturing company becomes
almost a generic term. It happened with the Colt-produced M16, which has been designed and
developed at Armalite.
3. Eugene Stoner
 A talented ex-marine, who became their chief engineer and designer of Armalite.
4. Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson
 They formed a partnership in 1852. They managed by producing what is probably the best double
action revolver in the world. (Dan Wesson left the company to set up his own firearms business)
5. John M. Browning
 Born in 1855. Started the production of a single shot rifle that was adopted by Winchester.
6. John T. Thompson
Ss2K 3
 Born in 1860 in Newport, Kentucky. Pioneered the making of Thompson submachine gun in
1920.
7. David “Carbine” Williams
 Maker of first known carbine.
8. Alexander John Forsyth
 Father of the percussion ignition.
9. Elisha King Root
 Designed machinery of making Colt firearms.
10. Eliphalet Remington
 One of the first rifle makers.
11. John Mahlon Marlin
 New Haven, Connecticut Manufacturer of lever action rifles, 1800’s, founder of Marlin firearms
Company.
12. James Wolfe Ripley
 Stimulated the development of the model 1855 rifled musket.
13. Samuel Colt (1814-1862)
 Samuel Colt was born on July 1814 at Hartford, Connecticut, produced the first practical revolver
bringing it to what most gunsmiths would agree was its perfect form in the Colt army 1873 model,
which became famous for its .45 caliber.
 Other manufacturers followed Colt’s lead: Remington and Smith & Wesson in the U.S.,
Adams and Scott-Webley in Britain, Star, Luger, Browning and Beretta on the
Continent, until revolvers were in used in every part of the world.
14. Henry Derringer
 Born at the beginning of the 19th century. Worked at Philadelphia where he manufactured pocket pistol.
15. John C. Garand
 Was born in 1888 in Qebec but ten years later, he moved to Connecticut. He designed and developed
the semi-automatic US rifle, Cal. .30 M1 garand in 1931, known as the world’s first self-loading
rifle.
16. Oliver F. Winchester
 He led the formation of the Winchester Company.
17. Fedor Tokarev
 Born at Egorlikskaya in 1871. Designed the service pistol of the soviet forces. SIG (Schweizerische
Industrie Gesselschaft) - adopted by the Swiss government as their standard service weapon.
18. Oscar Mossberg
 Born in Sweden in 1866 then went to the US. The maker of high-quality .22 rifle, sporting rifles and
pump action shotguns.
19. George Luger
 Born in Austria in 1849. He did lasting design work in connection with 9mm parabellum cartridge.
20. Mikhael Kalashnikov
 designed the AK47, an assault rifle in 1947
IMPORTANT DATES IN FIREARMS HISTORY:
1313 – Gunpowder as a propellant. The age of gunpowder began with its first used as a propellant as a projectile. Such
used has been recorded as early as 1313.
1350 – Small arms – gunpowder was first used only in cannons. It was in the middle of the 14th century that portable hand
firearms were introduced. These guns were ignited by a hand held hot wire or lighted match.
1498 – Riflings. The first reference to rifled barrels appeared. Although its important as an aid to accuracy was recognized
by some, it was many years after before rifling was generally used.
1575 – Cartridge. Paper cartridge combining both powder and ball were developed. This greatly speeded loading and
reduced the hazards of carrying looses powder.
1807 – Percussion System. The discovery of Forsyth in 1807 that certain compounds detonated by a blast would be used
to ignite the charge in a firearm, for the basis for all-later percussion and cartridge development.
1835 – Samuel Colt patented the first practical revolver in which the cylinder was rotated by cocking the hammer.
Ss2K 4
1836 – Pinfire cartridge. Developed by Le Faucheux in 1836 was probably the first self-exploding cartridge to come into
general used.
1845 – Rimfire cartridge. In France, Flobert developed a “bullet breech cap” which was in reality the first rimfire cartridge.
1858 – Centerfire cartridge. The Morse cartridge of 1858 marked the beginning of the rapid development of the centerfire
cartridge.
1884 – Automatic machinegun. Hiram Maxim built the first fully automatic gun, utilizing the recoil of the piece of
load and fire the next charge.
1885 – Smokeless powder. In France, Vielle developed the first satisfactory smokeless powder, a new propellant which
not only lacked the smoke characteristic of black powder, but also more powerful.
Firearms and its

CHAPTER III classification
FIREARMS
 It is an instrument that is used in the propulsion of projectiles by means of expansive force of gases of
burning powder. (Technical definition)
Legal Definition: (Sec. 877 of the RAC and Sec. 290 of NIRC)
 Firearms or arms include rifles, muskets, carbines, shotguns, pistols, revolvers, and all other deadly
weapons from which bullets, balls, shots, shells or other missiles maybe discharge by means of
gunpowder or other explosives. The term also includes air rifles, except those that are small in caliber
and usually used as toys.
The barrel of any firearm is considered a complete firearm for all intents and purposes thereof.
TWO GROUPS OF FIREARMS:
1. LONG ARMS OR SHOULDER ARMS – firearms usually operated with the support of the shoulder.
a. RIFLE
A type of weapon normally designed to be fired from the shoulder
b. MUSKET
Long smooth bored firearm that is designed to fire a single round lead ball. They are considered
a muzzle loading firearms.
c. CARBINE (cal. .30)
a short barreled rifle, having a barrel not longer than 22 inches.
d. SHOTGUN
Long smooth bored firearms having a barrel of 25-30 inches long and designed to shoot a
number of lead pellets in one charge.
Terms related to shotgun:

Gauge – as applied to shotgun, indicates the bore diameter is equal to the diameter of the lead ball
whose weight in pound is equal to the reciprocal gauge index
e.g. 12 gauge – indicate the bore diameter is equal to the diameter of the lead ball weighing 1/12 of
a pound.
GAUGE BORE DIAMETER/CALIBER

4 .935”
8 .835”
Ss2K 5
10 .775”
12 .729”
16 .662”
20 .615”
28 .550”
Choke – it refers to the partial constriction of the bore near the muzzle end of the gun in order to hold
the shots together over longer distances. That is, the diameter near the muzzle end is slightly
smaller than the diameter of the bore of the rest of the barrel.
True cylinder – a shotgun having the same diameter throughout the barrel.
Paradox Gun – a shotgun having the last few inches of the muzzle rifled so that it will impart a spin to
the patented slug that is used with it when to be desired to fire a large single projectile instead of a
charge of shot.
2. HANDGUN/SHORT ARMS
A handgun is a firearm designed to be held in the hand when used. This characteristic differentiates handguns as
a general class of firearms from their larger cousins: long guns such as rifles and shotguns, mounted weapons such as
machine guns and, and larger weapons such as artillery.
- Portable handguns appeared only in the early years of 16th century.
Note: the word "handgun" specifies both pistol and revolver but the two are very different weapons.
a.) PISTOL
 In American usage, a pistol is a handgun whose chamber is integral with the barrel.
 A handgun that is magazine fed.
 KOLIBRI – the smallest pistol in the world, auto pistol, caliber 2.7 mm, 5 shots, 1914
 MAGNUM .50 – unseated the .44 magnum and .454 magnum as the most powerful handgun cartridge in
the world.
b.) REVOLVER
 A handgun with a corresponding cylinder that revolves before the barrel, which consists of different
chamber s each of which holds one cartridge. These chambers, varying in number in different
guns, make up what is known as cylinder. This cylinder revolves, hence the name revolver.
Classification of revolver according to firing mechanism:

1. Single-action type – revolvers that requires the hammer to be pulled back by hand before each shot.
2. Double-action type – squeezing the trigger can pull back the hammer to cock the gun as well as serving to release
the hammer.
Types of Revolver:
1. Solid frame (Samuel Colt 1835)
2. “Swing out” type (USA) –
3. “Top break” type (UK)-
THE THREE MAIN PARTS OF REVOLVER and PISTOL

REVOLVER – cal.38 PISTOL – cal .45
1. Barrel assembly 1. Barrel assembly
2. Cylinder assembly 2. Slide assembly
3. Frame or receiver 3. Frame or Receiver
Ss2K 6
 The automatic pistol, besides having the main parts and detailed parts it has also the so called auxiliary parts
(accessories) which must all be removed first before disassembly of the weapon can be accomplished.
1. recoil plug 4. recoil spring

2. barrel bushing 5. recoil spring guide
3. slide stop pin
PARTS AND FUNCTIONS:
Barrel – initiates the path of the bullet

Frame – houses the internal parts
Cylinder – serves as chamber and magazine
Yoke – connecting pivot between the frame and the cylinder
Extractor – pulls the empty shells from the cylinder simultaneously
Extractor rod – activate the extractor and its locking device
Center pin – serves as a locking device for the cylinder
Center pin spring – holds the center pin in a locked position
Side plate – provide access to the internal part
Side plate screws – hold the side plate and yoke in place
Hammer block – safety device that prevents hammer blow to primer
Double action sear – built into weapon to allow double action fire
Hammer – strikes the blow that initiates or ignites primer
Bolt – disengages center pin to allow opening of cylinder and blocks hammer
Thumb latch – actuates bolt to release the cylinder
Hand (panel) – rotates the cylinder when the hammer is cocked
Cylinder stop – stops and holds the cylinder alignment for firing
Trigger – actuates the part necessary to fire the weapon
Trigger guard – guards the trigger from unnecessary action to avoid accidental firing
Rebound slide – returns trigger, actuates hammer block and locks hammer
Trigger spring – provides energy for return movement or rebound slide
Trigger level – contacts rebound slide to return trigger forward
Main spring – provides energy to the hammer to activate firing mechanism
Strain screw – controls tension on the main spring
Trigger stop – prevents excessive rearward movement after hammer release
Rachet – helps in the withdrawal of the cartridge or shells from the chambers of the Cylinder
Cylinder notch – it helps hold cylinder in place and aligned ready for firing.
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF FIREARMS:
1. ACCORDING TO GUN BARREL INTERNAL CONSTRUCTION

a. Smooth-bore Firearms
 Firearms that have no rifling (land and grooves) inside their gun barrel or perfectly smooth from
end to end.
b. Rifled-bore firearms
 Firearms that have rifling inside the gun barrel.
2. MAIN TYPES OF FIREARMS (accdg. To caliber of projectiles propelled)
a. Small Arms
 Propel projectile less than 1 inch in diameter. Can be operated by one man.
b. Artillery
 Those types of firearms that propel projectiles more than 1 inch in diameter.
3. TYPES OF FIREARMS (accdg. to mechanical construction)

a. Single Shot Firearm
 Type of firearm designed to fire only one shot for every loading.
b. Repeating Arms
 Type of firearm which fire several shots in one loading
Ss2K 7
c. Bolt Action Type

 Reloading is done by manipulation of the bolt.
d. Automatic Loading Type
 After the first shot is fired, automatic loading or feeding of the chamber takes place.
e. Slide Action Type
 Loading takes place by back and forth manipulation of the under forearm of the gun.
f. Lever Type (break-type)
 Loading takes place by lever action on the firearm.
g. Semiautomatic type
 A firearm requiring a separate pull of the trigger for each shot fired, and which uses the energy of
discharge to perform a portion of the operating or firing (usually the loading portion). Blowback –
in firearm, an automatic and semiautomatic firearm design, that directly utilizes the breech
pressure exerted on the head of the cartridge cases to actuate the mechanism. In ammunition, a
leakage of gas rearward between the case and chamber wall from the mouth of the case.
h. Machine gun type
 A firearm with a rifled barrel firing rifle ammunition and capable of fully automatic fire.
i. Submachine gun (synonym “machine pistols”)
 A firearm with a riffled barrel firing pistol ammunitions.
j. Shotguns
4. UNUSUAL OR MISCELLANEOUS TYPE – those type of firearms that are unique in mechanism and construction.
a. Gas guns
 Used for firing tear gas and other forms of disabling gas.
b. Traps
 These are designed to be set in the woods and left where animals will encounter them. They may
fire a bullet or a poison charge, depending on their construction.
c. Cane gun, knife pistols, etc
 (Also known as freakish device) many devices primarily designed for another purposes will have a
gun mechanism incorporated in them.
d. Tools
 There are number of tools using cartridges which are designed to drive studs, punch holes or cut
tables. Such tools may be encountered in the investigation of an accident.
e. Zip guns
 These may be in any form, since the name has been applied to all homemade guns.
f. Multi-barreled guns
 Having three or four barrels mounted in one receiver.
g. Liberator
 Made by the U.S. government for use in occupied countries of Europe during the recent war and
fired .45 ACP cartridges, single shot and smooth bore.
h. Flare guns
 Used in cases such as for sending signals and enabling to see enemies in the dark.
i. Harpoon guns
 Barbed spear in hunting large fish.
j. Gustav Gun
 Largest gun in the world
k. Gatling gun
 The world’s first genuinely effective rapid fire weapon, although it was not a true machinegun.
Invented by American Richard Gatling in 1862.
l. Maximum machine gun
 Developed by Hiram Maxim – the world’s first true machinegun.
m. Single action
 Weapon in which pressure upon the trigger releases the hammer that must be manually cocked.
n. Double action
 Weapon in which pressure upon the trigger both cocks and releases the hammer.
o. Automatic
Ss2K 8
 When the mechanism is so arranged that it will fire continuously while the trigger is depressed.
p. Air rifle
 A type of weapon designed to shoot pellets by means of compressed air.
q. Low Power
 A firearm that fires a cartridge giving a muzzle velocity of less than 1,850 ft/sec.
r. High Power
 A firearm that fires a cartridge giving a muzzle velocity of between 1,925 and 2,500 ft/sec.
s. High Intensity
 A firearm that fires a cartridge that gives a muzzle velocity of over 2,500 ft/sec.
AMMUNITION AND ITS

CHAPTER IV classification
AMMUNITION/CARTRIDGE
 Shall mean loaded shell for rifles, muskets, carbines, shotguns, revolvers and pistols from which a ball,
bullet, shot, shell or other missiles may be fired by means of gunpowder or other explosives. (legal
definition)
 It is a complete unfired unit consisting of bullet, cartridge case, propellant powder and primer.
(technical definition)
ORIGIN:
16th Century – cartridge was discovered.
 The earliest small arms cartridge consisted of a pre-measured charge of powder wrapped in paper.
 Cartridge derived from Latin word “charta” means paper. The French word “cartouche” meaning a roll
of paper.
4 MAIN PARTS OF CASED AMMUNITION:
A modern cartridge consists of the following:

a. bullet itself, which serves as the projectile;
b. casing, which holds all parts together;
c. propellant, for example gunpowder or cordite;
d. primer, which ignites the propellant.
Percussion – A means of ignition of propellant charge by a mechanical blow against the primer or percussion cup.
CLASSIFICATION OF CARTRIDGES:
I. ACCORDING TO THE TYPE OF FIREARMS WHEREIN USED
a. Revolver cartridges – used in revolvers
b. Pistol cartridges – used in automatic pistols
c. Rifles cartridges – used in rifles
d. Shotguns –used in shot guns
II. ACCORDING TO LOCATION OF PRIMER
1. Pin-fire
 (Obsolete) any point the pin hit will explode.
2. Rim-fire
 The primer is located at the rim at the base point.
3. Center-fire
 Priming powder is located at the center.
4. Ring fire cartridge
 A type of cartridge used only on the sabotage case.
Ss2K 9
III. ACCORDING TO RIM

1. Rimmed Type
 The diameter of the rim is greater than the diameter of the body of the cartridge case. E.g. cal. .38
and cal. .22
2. Semi-Rimmed type
 The diameter of the rim is slightly greater than the diameter of the body of the cartridge case. E.g.
cal. .25, .32 auto, super .38
3. Rimless type
 the diameter of the rim is equal with the diameter of the body of the cartridge case. E.g. cal. 5.56,
.30, 9mm, .45
4. Rebated type
 The diameter of the rim is smaller than the body of the cartridge case. E.g. cal. 8mm x 59
5. Belted type
 There is a protruding metal around the body of the cartridge case near the rim.
IV. ACCORDING TO CALIBER

 The caliber is only approximation of the bore diameter and is closer somewhat to the
groove diameter. Thus for example, a .45 caliber semi-automatic has bore diameter of
approximately .45 inch, while the groove diameter is .451.
HANDGUN CALIBERS:
Caliber .22 rimfire – the standard .22 launches a 36 grain projectile at 1090 ft/sec.
Caliber .25 – used in pistols and rifles
Caliber .30 – used in carbines and other rifles
Caliber .32 – used in automatic pistols and revolvers, typical .32 autos fire a 71 grain bullet at 905 ft/sec.
Caliber .380 – used in pistols, light and handy, the .380auto is very popular caliber for concealed autoloaders. It packs
more of a punch than the .32 auto, but is still thought of as less than a full-power round
Caliber .38 – used in revolvers, the .38 does not have quite the popularity it had in the middle of the 20 th century. In terms
of power it is overshadowed by its big brother the .357. average .38 fires a 140 grain bullet at 900 ft/sec.
Caliber .357 magnum – when developed in 1935 by Smith and Wesson, the .357 magnum was the most powerful handgun
cartridge in the world. The standard bullet in this caliber weighs 165 grains and travels at 1,290 ft/sec.
Caliber .40 auto – introduced by Smith and Wesson in 1989. the typical .40 auto launches a 155 grain projectile at 1,200
ft/sec.
Caliber .44 magnum – this round held the title as the world’s most powerful handgun cartridge. The .44 magnum has very
high penetration, but has equally high recoil. The standard .44 magnum launches a 240 grain bullet at 1,375
ft/sec.
Caliber .45 – the .45 auto is more popular ever, over 90 years since its introduction in 1905. The .45 is celebrated for the
stopping power caused by its relatively wide cross-section and slow, heavy bullet, as well as its match level
accuracy. Typically the .45 auto shoots a 230 grain slug at 880 ft/sec.
Caliber .50 magnum – in the realm of the automatic pistol, no caliber tops the .50 magnum. It kicks like a mule at ends,
but is considered a highly accurate round, for target and combat. Standard .50 magnum accelerate a 325 grain
bullet to 1,400 ft/sec.
RIFLE CALIBERS:
5.56 mm military (5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington) – first appearing in an experimental role in 1957, the
5.56mm eventually became the official caliber of the US and NATO military forces, replacing the 7.62mm mil.
- the typical 5.56mm round is 64 grains, traveling at 3,020 fps.
.30-30 rifle (30-30 WCF, .30 Winchester, 7.62x51Rmm) – the .30-30 derive its name from its caliber (.30 inch) and the
amount of powder the original blackpowder cartridge used (30 grains).
- standard .30-30round fires a 150 grain bullet at 2,390 fps.
7.62 mm Soviet (7.62x39mm Soviet) – became the standard military round for the soviet forces in 1943 and served as
such until 1974. Its mild recoil makes it controllable in automatic fire, launching 125 grain projectiles at 2.350 fps.
7.62 mm Military (7.62x51mm, 7.62mm NATO, .308 Winchester) – militaries all over the world have made use of the hard
hitting power of the 7.62 mm Military. Even though replaced by the 5.56 mm as the official NATO round in the
1960’s it is still in continuous use by police and armed forces as the premiere sniper cartridge. It launches a 180
grain slug at 2,625 fps.
Ss2K 10
In rifle cartridges and chambers, the numerical designations may be followed by further numerical
values which conform to no hard and fast rules. The following examples will illustrate the point.
- The .250 is the caliber in thousandths of an inch.

- .30-’06 – the 06 is the shortened form of 1906, the year the cartridge was introduced. The .30 is the caliber.
- .30-30 – the second 30 refers to weight, in grains, of smokeless powder first loaded in this cartridge when it was
introduced. The first figure is the caliber.
- Caliber .38 – 44 – came out after Major Douglas B. Wesson of Smith & Wesson produced a .38 caliber revolver
on the frame of the famous .44 military which is heavy gun with a thick barrel and cylinder.
- The .45 – 70 – 500 originated in the same way, the first two figures mean the same thing, but the third figure is
the weight of the bullet. The .30-60 was called the .30 Gov’t model of 1906.
Note:
a. NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization
b. 1 gram = 15.4 grains
c. Misfire – total failure of a cartridge to discharge.
d. hangfire – delayed explosion of the cartridge.
SHOTGUN SHELL
- consist of a brass head with which is fixed a stout paper tube which constitute the walls of the case. All shotgun
cartridges have a rim of larger diameter round the extreme edge of the base. Shotgun cartridge cases
are now also made entirely of metal, either zinc, aluminum or brass.
- Single unit of ammunition for shotguns
BLANK CARTRIDGE:
- a type of cartridge for a firearm that contains gunpowder but no bullet or shot. When fired, the blank makes a
loud flash and report, and if loaded with black powder rather than smokeless gunpowder, a large cloud of smoke as well.
Uses:
Blanks are commonly used when the sound and flash of gunfire is needed, but a projectile would not be safe,
such as in
1. military training maneuvers - Blanks used by the military are usually used with a special blank-firing adaptor in
the firearm that constricts the barrel, keeping chamber pressures from the blank high enough for long
enough to cycle the firearm's action.
2. In movies that require gun fights - For movie use, specially designed blank firing firearms are often used
3. starter's pistols to signal the beginning of races.
4. Blank cartridges were commonly used for launching rifle grenades
CASELESS AMMUNITION - is firearm ammunition that aims to eliminate the metal case that typically holds the primer, or
igniter, and the explosive charge ("gunpowder") that propels the bullet.
Bullets history, parts

CHAPTER V and types
Ss2K 11
BULLET
- is a metallic or non-metallic, cylindrical projectile propelled from a firearm by means of expansive force of gases
coming from burning gunpowder. In common police parlance, a bullet may be called “SLUG.”
Note: Projectiles propelled from shotguns are termed SHOTS, PELLETS.

“Buckshot” – the largest sizes of shots
ORIGIN:
- The term bullet originated from the French word “BOULETTE” meaning a small ball. In government parlance, a
cartridge containing a bullet is still called “BALL CARTRIDGE”, from the original terminology of the days when all
bullets were balls.
- Bullets in modern concept are projectiles propelled from rifled firearm, which is cylindrical in shape.
The core of the slug is an alloy of lead, antimony and sometimes tins.
BULLET’S PART:
a. Base – The portion of the bullet that receives the thrust and heat from the burning powder.
b. Bearing Surface/Periphery – the area of the bullet that contacts the barrel rifling.
c. Cannelure – a ring depression around the body of a bullet used to received the case crimp.
d. Core – the bulk of the mass of the bullet that is usually made of lead.
e. Head height – length of the bullet from the shoulder to the tip.
f. Heel – the location on the bullet where the heel ends and the bearing surface begins.
g. Jacket – covers the entire core of the bullet, usually made of materials like copper, brass, steel and aluminum.
h. Meplat – the diameter of the flat or blunt end of the nose of a bullet.
i. Ogive – the radius of curve between the bearing surface and the point usually stated with respect to the caliber.
Technical name of the nose of the bullet.
j. Point – the most forward point of the ogive
k. Shoulder – the place on the bullet where the parallel sides end and the ogive begins.
CLASSIFICATION:
1. LEAD BULLETS/NON-JACKETED BULLETS

– The most common material used in the manufacture of non-jacketed bullets is lead. Lead bullets are
usually an alloy of lead and antimony which is added to give the bullet some additional hardness. Variations are
the norm when it comes to the materials used in bullets and it's not uncommon to find lead bullets with a thin
coating of copper or brass plating. Bullets having this thin coating is sometimes referred to as a copper-washed
or "Lubaloy" bullet. This thin coating can be easily scratched away from the surface of the lead causing problems
for firearm examiners when these bullets are damaged.
LEADING – adherence of lead into the bore of the gun.
2. JACKETED BULLETS
Jacketed bullets are a laminate of material, with the harder "jacket" covering a core typically made of
lead. This jacket material differs from the thin copper plating. The jacket material cannot be easily
removed.
The most common bullet jacket material is copper. These can sometimes be plated with nickel to give
the bullet a silver finish but the jacket can also be made of a number of other materials such as aluminum
or steel. Steel jackets are widely used in bullets that originate in the European and Chinese markets. Steel
jacketed bullets are usually coated or plated to help prevent rusting.
Note: The primary function of the jacket in a bullet is to prevent adherence of metal (lead) inside the
gun barrel.
Ss2K 12
Other purposes of jacket:

1. to keep the bullet intact and from not breaking up when strike the target
2. to prevent damage while inside the weapon.
3. to control expansion
TYPES OF BULLETS:
a. Hard Ball – full metal jacket
b. Armor Piercing Bullets
c. Tracer Bullets
d. Incendiary Bullet
e. Fragmentation/explosive Bullet
f. Pointed Bullet
g. Dum-dum Bullet
h. Soft Point or “Mushroom” Bullet
i. Hollow Point Bullet (sometimes called “express bullet”)
j. X-bullet
k. Wad cutter Bullet
l. Wax Bullet
Terminologies:
Key-hole shot – the tumbling of the bullet and its flight and hitting the target sideways as a result of not spinning
on its axis.
Shocking Power – the power of the bullet that results to instantaneous death.
Knocking Power – the power of the bullet that delivers a very heavy paralyzing blow that put the victim down
and may then recover if the wound inflicted is not fatal.
Cartridge
CHAPTER VI case/shell/casing parts
and types
CARTRIDGE CASE/SHELL/CASING
- Is a tubular metallic or non-metallic container which holds together the bullet, gunpowder and primer.
- The cartridge case is the portion of the cartridge that is automatically ejected from the automatic firearm
during firing and these remains at the scene of the crime.
FUNCTIONS:
1. It serves as means whereby the bullet, Gunpowder and primer are assembled into a unit.
2. It serves as a waterproof container for the gunpowder.
3. It prevents the escape of the gases to the rear as the sidewalls of the cartridge case are forced against the
walls of the chamber by the pressure. It serves as the gas seal at the breech end of the barrel.
PARTS of a CARTRIDGE CASE:

1. Rim – serves the purpose of limiting the forward travel of cartridge into their chambers and this also limit the
clearance, if any, between the heads and the supporting surface of the bolt or breech block.
2. Primer pocket – performs triple functions;
a. holding primer securely in central position.
b. provides a means to prevent the escape of gas to the rear of the
cartridge;
c. provides a solid support of primer anvils, without which the latter could not be fired.
3. Vents or flash holes – is the hole in the web or bottom of the primer pocket through which the primer “flash”
imparts ignition to the powder charge.
 the “opening” or canal that connects the priming mixture with the gunpowder.
4. The Head and body – constitute the cork that plugs the breach of the barrel against the escape of the gas.
5. Neck – the part of the cartridge case that is occupied by the bullet.
Ss2K 13
6. Canelure – are the serrated grooves that are sometimes found rolled into the neck and bodies of the cases of
the location of the bullet bases to prevent the bullet from being pushed back or loosened.
 Is a groove indentation of a cartridge case that hold the end of the bullet.
7. Crimp –is that part of mouth of a case that is turned in upon the bullets.
Two fold function:

a. it aids in holding the bullet in place.
b. It offers resistance to the movement of the bullet out of the neck which affects the burning of the
gunpowder.
8. Base – the bottom portion of the case which contains;
a. the primer which contains the priming mixture.
b. the shellhead which contains the priming mixture
c. the shellhead which contains the headstamp, caliber and the year of manufacture.
Headstamp – where the manufacturers identification are imprinted, it also give the caliber and the name of
the cartridge.
9. Shoulder – that portion which support the neck.

10. Extracting groove – the circular groove near the base of the case or shell designed for automatic withdrawal
of the case after firing.
CLASSIFICATION BASED ON SHAPE AND HEAD FORM:
Shape:
a) Straight – always in pistol ammunitions.
b) Bottleneck – always in rifle ammunition.
c) Tapered – “obsolete”
Note: Cartridge cases of all types are made by a machine operation known as “drawing”
Drawing – is the process of making cartridge cases by punching disc from a sheet of brass and then making this
discs out into tubes closed to one end.
Primer parts, functions

CHAPTER VII and types
PRIMER
 The priming in a cartridge or shotgun shell is the chemical compound which ignites the propellant charge. A blow
from the firing pin on the primer cup compresses the priming composition to detonate. This detonation
produces flame which passes through the vent or flash hole in the cartridge case igniting the gunpowder.
 First successful priming mixture was one composed of potassium chlorate, antimony sulfide, and fulminate of
mercury which is actually very corrosive.
Function: explodes on compression igniting the propellant.
Composition:
 Commonly lead styphnate, barium nitrate, antimony sulphide. Typically all 3 elements (lead, barium, antimony)
in center fire ammunition but sometimes lead only or lead and barium in rimfire ammunition. Elemental trace
tests used to determine if person fired a weapon.
Three (3) basic types of modern center fire primers:
Ss2K 14
1. Boxer Type (American Type) – invented by Col. Edward Munier Boxer.

- may be identified by the fact that the anvil is a separate piece of metal in the primer.
- This type may also be called the SEPARATED ANVIL TYPE.
- the anvil is an integral part of the primer assembly
- there is only one flash hole and this is the center of the primer cup.
- can be reloaded
2. Berdan Type (European type) – invented by col. Hiram Berdan
- the anvil is part of the cartridge case
- it has two or three flash holes that are not centered in the case’s base.
- not generally reloaded.
3. Battery Cup type – generally used for shotgun shells, simply a variation of the boxer type.
PARTS OF A PRIMER:
1. Primer cup – refers to the container of the priming mixture that is made up of brass, gilding metal or copper.
2. Priming mixture – refers to the highly sensitive chemical mixture contained in the primer cup.
3. Anvil – the portion of the primer against which the priming mixture is crushed by a blow from the firing pin.
Disc – piece of small paper or disc of tin foil which is pressed over the priming mixture.
PRIMING COMPOUNDS:
Classes:
1. Corrosive primers (potassium chlorate) – if ignited, it produces potassium chloride, draws moisture from the
air and this moisture speeds the rusting and potassium chlorate is eliminated.
Ingredients:
a. potassium chlorate – 45%
b. antimony sulfide – 23%
c. fulminate of mercury – 32%
2. Non-corrosive primers – potassium chlorate was replaced by barium nitrate.
What is Corrosion and Erosion?
Corrosion – the chemical wear and tear of the inside of a gun barrel due to rust formation or chemical reactions
by the products of combustion after firing.
Erosion – the mechanical wear and tear of the inner surface of the gun barrel due to mechanical abrasion or
sliding friction.
Gunpowder history, types

CHAPTER VIII and functions
PROPELLANT/GUNPOWDER
 The propellant in a cartridge or shotgun shell is the gunpowder which, when ignited by the primer flash,
is converted to gas under high pressure and propels the bullet or shot charge through the barrel and to
the target.
 Refer to the chemical substances of various compositions, sizes, shapes and colors that on ignition,
serve as a propellant.
Berthold Schwartz – credited for the application of gunpowder in propelling a missile.

Roger Bacon – Credited for identifying the chemicals needed for gunpowder.
Note: The Chinese were believed to be the first to invent gunpowder.
Ss2K 15
Function of Gunpowder: it burns to produce large volumes of gases under pressure that propels
projectiles.
Two Types of Gunpowder:

1. Black Powder – consists of jet black and rather shiny grains. Although black powder has been in use for about
six centuries, and although improved methods of manufacture have naturally lead to
greater efficiency in action, its composition has remained practically the same in all
countries.
- Most dangerous explosive to handle and store because it is easily ignited upon by heat,
friction, flame or spark.
- Oldest propellant
Composition:
1. Potassium Nitrate – 75%
2. Charcoal – 15%
3. Sulfur – 10%
Disadvantages:
1. it produces large volume of white smoke.
2. fouls the bore of firearms after relatively few shots.
3. it readily attracts moisture, hence, “keep your powder dry.”
Advantages or Qualities:
1. when ignited it will burn by itself without air from the outside air.
2. in burning, it gives off a large volume of gas.
3. a considerable heat is evolved
2. Smokeless Powder – the term smokeless powder is a misnomer for they are neither powder nor smokeless,
the latter term is being applied only because they are entirely smokeless not like the black
powder.
- It is the most powerful propellant as well as being the cleanest.
4 main classes of smokeless powder:

1. Single-base propellant or nitrocellulose – it contains only pure nitroglycerin gelatinized with
nitrocellulose.
2. Double-base propellant – its major component are (1) nitrocellulose and (2) nitroglycerine
accompanied one or more minor ingredients such as:
a. centralite
b. Vaseline phthalate esthers
c. inorganic salts
- Double-base propellants are gray green to black in color and the grains are similar in size and shape to
the single based propellants.
3. Triple base propellant – it uses 3 principal ingredients.
a. nitrocellulose
b. nitroglycerine
c. nitro-guanidine
4. High Ignition Temperature Propellant – the main constituent is from RDX group of high explosives.
Gunshot Residue Analysis:
When the primer is detonated, microscopic particles of gunshot residue (GSR) are deposited on the hands of the
shooter. These particles adhere to the hands in the pockets and even handcuffing behind the back. Studies have shown
that the GSR will remain on the shooter’s hand for up to about 6 hours.
Three (3) methods for testing GSR: (actually a color test)

1. Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA)
2. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS)
3. Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (SEM/EDX)
Ss2K 16
- Barium, antimony and lead are the traces of metals being detected originating from the primer of the
cartridge.
- The so-called “dermal nitrate test” or “paraffin test” is no longer used and is generally considered
unreliable in GSR testing because of its no specificity. The main problem it was recently realized cosmetics and
other everyday preparations as well as being present in cigarettes and cigars, so that the value of a swab as a
positive indication of recent gun handling is lost. This kind of test was developed by Teodoro Gonzales of Mexico
in 1933.
ARMS MANUFACTURING PROCESSES RELATED TO FIREARMS
Barrel Manufacturing:
All barrels, regardless of the type of weapon for which they are manufactured are selected from a solid piece of
metal. The metal from which the barrel is made is carefully selected for its chemical and metallurgical structure, thus
assuring a high quality product after the various machine operations and heat treatment are completed.
Steps:
1. Drilling the Hole
2. Reaming the Hole
3. Cutting or Putting the Rifling – if a barrel to be made is to be rifled, this operation follows after the reaming
operation.
RIFLING – refers to the helical lines cut in the interior of the bore of a gun barrel. Rifling consists of grooves
cut or formed in a spiral nature, lengthwise down the barrel of the firearm.
Purpose of Rifling: rifling is placed in the barrels of firearms to impart a spin or stability
in flight on the bullets that pass through it.
 In firearm examiner lingo, rifling refers to the LANDS and GROOVES. The lands are the raised portion
between two grooves, while the grooves are the depressed portion.
4. Lapping – it follows after the rifling operation is completed. This is the smoothening of the inner surface of
the gun barrel. Polishing the inside of the barrel like a mirror with a polishing compound.
5. Chambering – the final step is the chambering or cutting away the breech end of the barrel where the
cartridge or shotgun shell is to fit.
Composition of Rifling:
number of lands
a. number of grooves
b. width of lands
c. depth of grooves
d. pitch of rifling – the number of inches traveled by the bullet to make one complete turn.
e. Twist of rifling – the direction of twist whether right or left.
Marks Found on Fired Bullets:

A bullet is slightly larger in diameter than the bore diameter of the barrel in which it is designed to be fired. As a
result, a rifled barrel will impress a negative impression of itself on the sides of the bullet.
a. Land marks
b. Groove marks
Land and groove marks together are called rifling marks. These are striations found on the periphery/bearing
or cylindrical surface of the fired bullets.
c. Skid marks
Ss2K 17
d. Slippage/Stripping Marks
e. Shaving Marks
Marks Found on fired Cartridge Case:

1. Firing Pin impression
2. Breechface markings
3. Chamber marks
4. Extractor marks
5. Ejector marks
6. Shear marks or the secondary firing pin marks
7. Firing pin drag marks
Other Marks found on fired shells:

1. Pivotal marks
2. Magazine lip marks
3. Breech Closure or Anvil Marks
Characteristics of firearms
CHAPTER IX and laboratory equipments
used for examination
Two (2) General Characteristics to be considered Regarding Ballistics Examination:
1. Class Characteristics
 Refers to those characteristics which are determinable prior or before the manufacture of the
firearm. These serve as basis to identify a certain class or group of firearms.
a. caliber or gauge
b. number of lands
c. number of grooves
d. direction of twist
e. width of lands
f. width of grooves
g. depth of grooves
h. pitch of rifling
Bore – refers to the cylindrical passage of a barrel through which the bullet travels.
2. Individual characteristics
 Refers to those characteristics which are determinable only after the manufacture of the firearm.
They are characteristics whose existence is beyond the control of man. These are the irregularities
found in the inner surface of the barrel and on the breech face of the breechblock of the firearm.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS ACCORDING TO TYPES OF RIFLING:

1. Steyr type
 4 lands, 4 grooves, right hand twist and lands and grooves are of equal width. (4-R-G=L)
2. Smith and Wesson type
 5 lands and grooves, right hand twist, and lands and grooves of equal width. (5-R-G=L)
3. Browning type
 6 lands and grooves, right twist, narrow lands and broad grooves. (6-R- G-2x)
4. Colt type
 6 lands and grooves, left twist, narrow lands and broad grooves (6-L-G-2x)
5. Webley type
Ss2K 18
 7 lands and grooves, right twist, narrow lands and broad grooves (7-R-G3x)
6. Army type
 4 lands and grooves, right twist, narrow land and broad grooves (4-R-G3x)
PRINCIPLES OF FIREARM INVESTIGATION:
1. Principles of Identification of Fired Bullet

a. No two barrels are microscopically identical as the surfaces of their bore all posses individual
characteristics and marking of their own;
b. When a bullet is fired from a rifled barrel it becomes engraved by the rifling and this engraving
will vary its minute details with every individual bore. So it happens that the engraving on the
bullet fired from the barrel will be different from that of the bullet fired from another barrel.
And conversely, the engraving on the bullets fired from the same barrel will be the same;
c. Every barrel leave its thumb mark on every bullet which is fired through it, just as every breech
face leave its thumb mark on the base of every fired cartridge case.
2. Principles of Identification of fired Shells
a. the breech face and the striker of every single firearm leave microscopically individualities of their own;
b. the firearm leaves its fingerprints or thumb marks on every cartridge cases which it fires;
c. the whole principle of identification base on the fact that since the breech face of every weapon must
be individually distinct the cartridge cases which it fired are imprinted with this individuality. The imprint
on all cartridge cases fired from the same weapon are always the same, those on cartridge cases fired
from different weapons must always be different.
TECHNIQUES OF EXAMINATION:
1. Physical Examination
2. Microscopic Examination
Under the bullet comparison microscope, the two fired bullets or fired shells are examined in
LABORATORY EQUIPMENTS USED IN FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION:
1. Bullet Comparison Microscope

 Used to examine evidence bullet and test bullet, either through intermarriage or juxtaposition. It
can also be applied in comparing evidence shell and test shell.
 First used by the father of modern ballistics Col. Calvin Goddard.
 Test Bullets – Refers to bullets recovered from recovery box for comparison purposes with the
evidence bullet.
 Evidence bullet – refers to those bullet recovered from the crime scene.
 juxtaposition – comparison of the two objects- evidence and the test bullet are examined and
compared:
- at the same time
- at the same place or level
- at the same direction
- at the same magnification
- at the same image
 Intermarriage - it is the position of both evidence bullet and test bullet, wherein half of the same
image of evidence bullet and test bullet of same direction, the same magnification and the same
level or plane, are merged into one image. The purpose is to look for congruency of striation or
the same marking.
Note: for conclusiveness of findings, there shall be at least three test bullets that should be
compared.
Ss2K 19
a. First, 1 for comparison/preliminary

b. Second, 1 for confirmation
c. Third, 1 for conclusion
Note: 8 or more striations – accepted by the court.
2. Stereoscopic Microscope
 It is generally used in preliminary examinations of fired bullets and fired shells to determine the
relative distribution of class characteristics or the so-called orientation purpose. It can also be used
in the close-up examination of tampered serial numbers of firearms.
3. Helixometer
 An instrument use in measuring the pitch of rifling of firearm.
 Invented by John Fisher
 Pitch of rifling – Refers to the distance advanced by the rifling in one complete turn, equivalent to
360 degrees or it may mean, the distance traveled by the bullet in completing 360 degrees
rotation.
4. CP-6 Comparison Projector
 Very similar with the bullet comparison microscope in which two fired bullets of fired shells can be
examined simultaneously.
 Invented by William Howard Livens.
5. Chronograph
 First portable instrument use to measure nuzzle velocity and striking power.
 Invented by Alfred Lee Loomis
6. Bullet Recovery Box
 Used in test firing and retrieve the bullet undamaged. Banana trunks, rubber strips, sand, saw
dust with oil, waste threads and water tank are used to recover test fired bullet prior to the
invention of bullet recovery box.
7. Caliper
 An instrument use in making measurement of the bullet diameter, shell length, rim diameter, bore
diameter, barrel length. Precisely used in determining the caliber of the bullet and the firearm
with each standard measurement.
8. Analytical Balance
 Use in determining the weight of bullets of shotgun pellets for possible determination of type,
caliber, and make of the firearm from which it was fired.
9. Micrometer
 Similar in use as calipers.
10. Taper Gauge
 Use primarily for determining the bore diameter of firearms. Use to determine the caliber of
firearm based on measurement of the bore.
11. Onoscope
 A small instrument use in examining internal surface of the gun barrel.
12. Stylus
 Used manually for marking fired bullets, fired shells and firearms to include metallic fragments.
13. Electric gun marker
 Use in laboratory for marking fired bullets, fired shells and firearms submitted for examination.
14. Shadowgraph
CHAPTER X CRIME SCENE PROCEDURE FOR

SHOOTING INCIDENT
CRIME SCENE PROCEDURE FOR SHOOTING INCIDENT
Ss2K 20
Upon receiving a call to the scene of the shooting, the officer should always take along a loose-leaf notebook and
pen to make notes at the time and on the place and not trust his memory to reconstruct the situation for his future
convenience.
When the officer is summoned on such errand, his procedure should follow a logical pattern. His observations
should be put in writing at the time of his investigation for future reference and to produce in court if necessary.
Steps:
1. Note accurately in writing the time the call was received and by whom it was sent.
2. Note accurately the time of arrival at the scene and the correct address.
3. The investigator should ascertain if the victim is dead and if not, summon medical aid or bring the victim to
the hospital. Otherwise the body should not be disturbed.
4. Immediately clear the premises of all by-standers and under no circumstances allow anyone to touch or
remove anything in the vicinity.
5. use every effort and means to identify the deceased
6. Take the names and addresses of all witnesses and take written notes on the statements of as many persons
as possible.
7. Measure the exact distance of the body in relation to the previously mentioned fixtures of the premises.
8. Examine the ceiling, floors, and furniture for bullet holes, blood stains, fired bullets, fired shells or shotgun
wadding.
9. If there is a firearm at the scene, he should note in writing the following observations:
a. Exactly where found.
b. Type of weapon, caliber or gauge designation
c. Note the serial number; mark his initials on the butt or frame of the weapon for future
identification.
d. Note other distinctive features.
10. Note down where the empty shells, bullets and/or firearms were found and make a diagram to illustrate the
same to show their relative distances from the body of the victim and take a photograph of it.
11. Mark the found evidences for future identification, use your initials and state the date and place where
recovered.
12. After marking the evidence, wrap them separately and individually with soft tissue paper and note down on
the wrapper where each item was found indicating the date and time.
13. Transport the recovered evidences to the crime laboratory for examination.
NOTE:
 When an empty shell is found at the scene of the crime, the presumption is an automatics pistol, or
automatic weapon was used.
 When no empty shell is found, the presumption is that a revolver was used.
 In the bore of a barrel, the depressed portions are the grooves and the raised portions are the lands.
 On a fired bullet, it is the reverse, the landmarks are the depressed portions, and the groove marks are
the raised portions.
 To determine the real direction of the rifling twist in a rifled barrel, peep thru the barrel, place a land or
groove on the top and look away from you. If the land or the groove inclines to the right, then it has a
right twist, and if it inclines to the left it is a left twist.
 To determine the twist of a bullet, look on the bullet in an elongated position. If the lands and grooves
incline to the right it is a right twist, if it incline to the left it is a left twist.
 It is the rifling of a bore that marks a fired bullet.
 A fired bullet will acquire the class characteristics of the bore of the barrel from which it was fired.
Therefore, if a bore has a class characteristics of a .45 caliber, 6 lands, 6 grooves, right twist, grove
wider than the land such characteristics will be impressed on the bullet it fires.
 So, if a fatal bullet will have the same class characteristics as the bore of the suspected firearm, then it is
possible that the bullet could have been fired from the suspected gun.
 To determine definitely if the bullet above was fired or not from the suspected gun, then the case must
be sent to a forensic ballistics expert who will conduct the proper examination.
 If two bullets do not have the same class characteristics, definitely and conclusively the bullets were not
fired from the barrel.
Ss2K 21
Specimen subject for Processing/Recovery from the Crime Scene:

a. Firearms
b. Ammunition
c. Ammunition Components, such as:
1. bullet
2. pellet
3. cartridge cases
4. primer
5. propellant
6. wads
7. bullet fragment
8. other related specimen
PROPER LIFTING OF EVIDENCE FIREARM:

 In 1933, Churchill advised scene of crime officers that a weapon found at the crime scene
should be lifted by passing a metal rod down the muzzle.
 Today, such practice is absolute anathema “DO NOT” handle by means of inserting a pencil or
similar article in the barrel. This is because the modern helixometer and similar instruments are
capable of detecting minute clues from the interior of the gun.
 The proper lifting of an evidence firearm is to insert a string in the trigger guard then lift it.
TYPES OF PROBLEMS IN BALLISTICS:
1. Given a bullet, to determine the caliber, type and make of the firearm from which it was fired.
When a bullet is submitted for comparison to a firearm, one of the first examinations
conducted will be to determine the bullets caliber in any of the following means;
- measuring the bullets diameter with the use of caliper;
- weighing the bullet; and
- comparing the bullet with known standards
2. Given two or more bullets, to determine whether or not they were fired from one and the same
firearm.
3. Given a cartridge case, to determine the caliber and type of firearm from which it was fired.
4. Given two or more cartridge cases to determine whether or not they were fired from one and the
same firearm.
5. Given cartridge case and suspected firearm, to determine whether or not the cartridge case was
fired from the suspected firearm.
6. Given bullets and suspected firearm, to determine whether or not the bullets was fired from the
suspected firearm.
(7) Given firearms/arms to determine whether they are serviceable or not.
CHAPTER XI Laws related to study of

forensic ballistics
Ss2K 22
1. Presidential Decree No. 1866 June 29, 1983
 CODIFYING THE LAWS ON ILLEGAL/UNLAWFUL POSSESSION, MANUFACTURE, DEALING IN, ACQUISITION OR

DISPOSITION, OF FIREARMS, AMMUNITION OR EXPLOSIVES OR INSTRUMENTS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE
OF FIREARMS, AMMUNITION OR EXPLOSIVES, AND IMPOSING STIFFER PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS
THEREOF AND FOR RELEVANT PURPOSES"
 WHEREAS, there has been an upsurge of crimes vitally affecting public order and safety due to the proliferation
of illegally possessed and manufactured firearms, ammunition and explosives;
 WHEREAS, these criminal acts have resulted in loss of human lives, damage to property and destruction of
valuable resources of the country;
 WHEREAS, there are various laws and presidential decrees which penalized illegal possession and manufacture of
firearms, ammunition and explosives;
 WHEREAS, there is a need to consolidate, codify and integrate said laws and presidential decrees to harmonize
their provisions;
 WHEREAS, there are some provisions in said laws and presidential decrees which must be updated and revised in
order to more effectively deter violators of the law on firearms, ammunition and explosives.
 NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested
by the Constitution, do hereby decree:
Section 1. Unlawful Manufacture, Sale, Acquisition, Disposition or Possession of Firearms or Ammunition or Instruments
Used or Intended to be Used in the Manufacture of Firearms of Ammunition
 The penalty of reclusion temporal in its maximum period to reclusion perpetua shall be imposed upon any
person who shall unlawfully manufacture, deal in, acquire, dispose, or possess any firearm, part of firearm,
ammunition or machinery, tool or instrument used or intended to be used in the manufacture of any firearm or
ammunition.
 If homicide or murder is committed with the use of an unlicensed firearm, the penalty of death shall be
imposed.
 If the violation of this Section is in furtherance of, or incident to, or in connection with the crimes of rebellion,
insurrection or subversion, the penalty of death shall be imposed.
 The penalty of reclusion temporal in its maximum period to reclusion perpetua shall be imposed upon the
owner, president, manager, director or other responsible officer of any public or private firm, company,
corporation or entity, who shall willfully or knowingly allow any of the firearms owned by such firm, company,
corporation or entity to be used by any person or persons found guilty of violating the provisions of the
preceding paragraphs.
 The penalty of prision mayor shall be imposed upon any person who shall carry any licensed firearm outside his
residence without legal authority therefor.
Section 2. Presumption of Illegal Manufacture of Firearms or Ammunition
 The possession of any machinery, tool or instrument used directly in the manufacture of firearms or ammunition,
by any person whose business or employment does not lawfully deal with the manufacture of firearms or
ammunition, shall be prima facie evidence that such article is intended to be used in the unlawful/illegal
manufacture of firearms or ammunition.
Section 3. Unlawful Manufacture, Sales, Acquisition, Disposition or Possession of Explosives
 The penalty of reclusion temporal in its maximum period to reclusion perpetua shall be imposed upon any
person who shall unlawfully manufacture, assemble, deal in, acquire, dispose or possess handgrenade(s), rifle
grenade(s) and other explosives, including but not limited to "philbox bombs", "molotov cocktail bomb", "fire-
bombs", or other incendiary devices capable of producing destructive effect on contiguous objects or causing
injury or death to any person.
Ss2K 23
 Any person who commits any of the crimes defined in the Revised Penal Code or special laws with the use of the
aforementioned explosives, detonation agents or incendiary devices, which results in the death of any person or
persons shall be punished with the penalty of death.
 If the violation of this Section is in furtherance of, or incident to, or in connection with the crimes of rebellion,
insurrection or subversion, the penalty of death shall be imposed.
 The penalty of reclusion temporal in its maximum period to reclusion perpetua shall be imposed upon the
owner, president, manager, director or other responsible officer of any public or private firm, company,
corporation or entity, who shall willfully or knowingly allow any of the explosives owned by such firm, company,
preceding paragraphs.
Section 4. Presumption of Unlawful Manufacture
 The possession of any machinery, tool or instrument directly used in the manufacture of explosives, by any
person whose business or employment does not lawfully deal with the manufacture of explosives shall be prima
facie evidence that such article is intended to be used in the unlawful/illegal manufacture of explosives.
Section 5. Tampering of Firearm's Serial Number
 The penalty of prision mayor shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully tamper, change, deface or
erase the serial number of any firearm.
Section 6. Repacking or Altering the Composition of Lawfully Manufactured Explosives
 The penalty of prision mayor shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully repack, alter or modify the
composition of any lawfully manufactured explosives.
Section 7. Unauthorized Issuance of Authority to Carry Firearm and/or Ammunition Outside of Residence
 The penalty of prision correccional shall be imposed upon any person, civilian or military, who shall issue
authority to carry firearm and/or ammunition outside of residence, without authority therefor.
Section 8. Rules and Regulations
 The Chief of the Philippine Constabulary shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of this Decree.
Section 9. Repealing Clause
 The provisions of Republic Act No. 4, Presidential Decree No. 9, Presidential Decree No. 1728 and all laws,
decrees, orders, instructions, rules and regulations which are inconsistent with this Decree are hereby repealed,
amended or modified accordingly.
Section 10. Effectivity
 This Decree shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the completion of its publication in the Official
Gazette.
2. Republic Act No. 8294 June 6, 1997
 AN ACT AMENDING THE PROVISIONS OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1866, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED
"CODIFYING THE LAWS ON ILLEGAL/UNLAWFUL POSSESSION, MANUFACTURE, DEALING IN, ACQUISITION OR
Ss2K 24
DISPOSITION OF FIREARMS, AMMUNITION OR EXPLOSIVES OR INSTRUMENTS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF

FIREARMS, AMMUNITION OR EXPLOSIVES, AND IMPOSING STIFFER PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS
THEREOF, AND FOR RELEVANT PURPOSES."
Section 1. Sec. 1 Presidential Decree No. 1866, as amended, is hereby further amended to read as follows:
 "Sec. 1. Unlawful manufacture, sale, acquisition, disposition or possession of firearms or ammunition or

instruments used or intended to be used in the manufacture of firearms or ammunition. – The penalty
of prision correccional in its maximum period and a fine of not less than Fifteen thousand pesos
(P15,000) shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully manufacture, deal in, acquire,
dispose, or possess any low powered firearm, such as rimfire handgun, .380 or .32 and other firearm of
similar firepower, part of firearm, ammunition, or machinery, tool or instrument used or intended to be
used in the manufacture of any firearm or ammunition: Provided, That no other crime was committed.
 "The penalty of prision mayor in its minimum period and a fine of Thirty thousand pesos (P30,000) shall
be imposed if the firearm is classified as high powered firearm which includes those with bores bigger in
diameter than .38 caliber and 9 millimeter such as caliber .40, .41, .44, .45 and also lesser calibered
firearms but considered powerful such as caliber .357 and caliber .22 center-fire magnum and other
firearms with firing capability of full automatic and by burst of two or three: Provided, however, That no
other crime was committed by the person arrested.
 "If homicide or murder is committed with the use of an unlicensed firearm, such use of an unlicensed
firearm shall be considered as an aggravating circumstance.
 "If the violation of this Sec. is in furtherance of or incident to, or in connection with the crime of
rebellion or insurrection, sedition, or attempted coup d'etat, such violation shall be absorbed as an
element of the crime of rebellion, or insurrection, sedition, or attempted coup d'etat.
 "The same penalty shall be imposed upon the owner, president, manager, director or other responsible
officer of any public or private firm, company, corporation or entity, who shall willfully or knowingly
allow any of the firearms owned by such firm, company, corporation or entity to be used by any person
or persons found guilty of violating the provisions of the preceding paragraphs or willfully or knowingly
allow any of them to use unlicensed firearms or firearms without any legal authority to be carried
outside of their residence in the course of their employment.
 "The penalty of arresto mayor shall be imposed upon any person who shall carry any licensed firearm
outside his residence without legal authority therefor."
Section 2. Sec. 3 of Presidential Decree No. 1866, as amended, is hereby further amended to read as follows:
 "Sec. 3. Unlawful manufacture, sale, acquisition, disposition or possession of explosives. – The penalty of
prision mayor in its maximum period to reclusion temporal and a fine of not less than Fifty thousand
pesos (P50,000) shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully manufacture, assemble, deal in,
acquire, dispose or possess hand grenade(s), rifle grenade(s), and other explosives, including but not
limited to 'pillbox,' 'molotov cocktail bombs,' 'fire bombs,' or other incendiary devices capable of
producing destructive effect on contiguous objects or causing injury or death to any person.
 "When a person commits any of the crimes defined in the Revised Penal Code or special laws with the
use of the aforementioned explosives, detonation agents or incendiary devices, which results in the
death of any person or persons, the use of such explosives, detonation agents or incendiary devices
shall be considered as an aggravating circumstance.
 "If the violation of this Sec. is in furtherance of, or incident to, or in connection with the crime of
rebellion, insurrection, sedition or attempted coup d'etat, such violation shall be absorbed as an
element of the crimes of rebellion, insurrection, sedition or attempted coup d'etat.
 "The same penalty shall be imposed upon the owner, president, manager, director or other responsible
officer of any public or private firm, company, corporation or entity, who shall willfully or knowingly
allow any of the explosives owned by such firm, company, corporation or entity, to be used by any
person or persons found guilty of violating the provisions of the preceding paragraphs."
Ss2K 25
 "Sec. 5. Tampering of firearm's serial number. – The penalty of prision correccional shall be imposed
upon any person who shall unlawfully tamper, change, deface or erase the serial number of any
firearm."
 "Sec. 6. Repacking or altering the composition of lawfully manufactured explosives. – The penalty of
prision correccional shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully repack, alter or modify the
composition of any lawfully manufactured explosives."
Section 5. Coverage of the Term Unlicensed Firearm. – The term unlicensed firearm shall include:
 firearms with expired license; or

 unauthorized use of licensed firearm in the commission of the crime.
Section 6. Rules and regulations
 The Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior and Local Government shall jointly issue, within
ninety (90) days after the approval of this Act, the necessary rules and regulations pertaining to the
administrative aspect of the provisions hereof, furnishing the Committee on Public Order and Security and the
Committee on Justice and Human Rights of both Houses of Congress copies of such rules and regulations within
thirty (30) days from the promulgation hereof.
Section 7. Separability clause. – If, for any reason, any Sec. or provision of this Act is declared to be unconstitutional or
invalid, the other Sec.s or provisions thereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
Section 8. Repealing clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
Section 9. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in
two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved: June 6, 1997.
3. Republic Act No. 9516 December 22
 AN ACT FURTHER AMENDING THE PROVISIONS OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1866, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED
CODIFYING THE LAWS ON ILLEGAL/UNLAWFUL POSSESSION, MANUFACTURE, DEALING IN, ACQUISITION OR
DISPOSITION OF FIREARMS, AMMUNITION OR EXPLOSIVES OR INSTRUMENTS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
FIREARMS, AMMUNITION OR EXPLOSIVES, AND IMPOSING STIFFER PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS
THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER RELEVANT PURPOSES"
Section 1. Section 3 of Presidential Decree No. 1866, as amended, is hereby further amended to read as follows:
 "Section 3. Unlawful Manufacture, Sales, Acquisition, Disposition, Importation or Possession of an Explosive or

Incendiary Device
 The penalty of reclusion perpetua shall be imposed upon any person who shall willfully and unlawfully
manufacture, assemble, deal in, acquire, dispose, import or possess any explosive or incendiary device, with
knowledge of its existence and its explosive or incendiary character, where the explosive or incendiary device is
capable of producing destructive effect on contiguous objects or causing injury or death to any person, including
but not limited to, hand grenade(s), rifle grenade(s), 'pillbox bomb', 'molotov cocktail bomb', 'fire bomb', and
other similar explosive and incendiary devices.
Ss2K 26
 "Provided, That mere possession of any explosive or incendiary device shall be prima facie evidence that the
person had knowledge of the existence and the explosive or incendiary character of the device.
 "Provided, however, That a temporary, incidental, casual, harmless, or transient possession or control of any
explosive or incendiary device, without the knowledge of its existence or its explosive or incendiary character,
shall not be a violation of this Section.
 "Provided, Further, That the temporary, incidental, casual, harmless, or transient possession or control of any
explosive or incendiary device for the sole purpose of surrendering it to the proper authorities shall not be a
violation of this Section.
 "Provided, finally, That in addition to the instances provided in the two (2) immediately preceeding paragraphs,
the court may determine the absence of the intent to possess, otherwise referred to as 'animus possidendi", in
accordance with the facts and circumstances of each case and the application of other pertinent laws, among
other things, Articles 11 and 12 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended."
Section 2. Section 4 of Presidential Decree No. 1866, as amended, is hereby further amended to read as follows:
 "SEC 3-A. Unlawful Manufacture, Sales, Acquisition, Disposition, Importation or Possession of a Part,
Ingredient, Machinery, Tool or Instrument Used or Intended to be Used for the Manufacture,
Construction, Assembly, Delivery or Detonation
 The penalty of reclusion perpetua shall be imposed upon any person who shall willfully and unlawfully
manufacture, assemble, deal in, acquire, dispose, import or possess any part, ingredient, machinery,
tool or instrument of any explosive or incendiary device, whether chemical, mechanical, electronic,
electrical or otherwise, used or intended to be used by that person for its manufacture, construction,
assembly, delivery or detonation, where the explosive or incendiary device is capable or is intended to
be made capable of producing destructive effect on contiguous objects or causing injury or death to any
person.
 "Provided, That the mere possession of any part, ingredient, machinery, tool or instrument directly used
in the manufacture, construction, assembly, delivery or detonation of any explosive or incendiary
device, by any person whose business activity, or employment does not lawfully deal with the
possession of such article shall be prima facie evidence that such article is intended to be used by that
person in the unlawful/illegal manufacture, construction, assembly, delivery or detonation of an
explosive or incendiary device.
 "Provided, however, That a temporary incidental, casual, harmless or transient possession or control of
any part, machinery, tool or instrument directly used in the manufacture, construction, assembly,
delivery or detonation of any explosive or incendiary device, without the knowledge of its existence or
character as part, ingredient, machinery, tool or instrument directly used in the manufacture,
construction, assembly, delivery or detonation of any explosive or incendiary device, shall not be a
violation of this Section.
 "Provided, Further, That the temporary, incidental, casual, harmless, or transient possession or control
of any part, ingredient, machinery, tool or instrument directly used in the manufacture, construction,
assembly, delivery or detonation of any explosive or incendiary device for the sole purpose of
surrendering it to the proper authorities shall not be a violation of this Section.
 "Provided, finally, That in addition to the instances provided in the two (2) immediately preceeding
paragraphs, the court may determine the absence of the intent to possess, otherwise referred to as
'animus possidendi', in accordance with the facts and circumstances of each case and the application of
other pertinent laws, among other things, Articles 11 and 12 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended."
Section 3. Insert a new Section 3-B, 3-C, 3-D, 4, 4-A, 4-B, 4-C, 4-D, 4-E, 4-E and 4-F in Presidential Decree No. 1866 to read
as follows:
 "SEC. 3-B. Penalty for the Owner, President, Manager, Director or Other Responsible Officer of Any Public
or Private Firm, Company, Corporation or Entity. - The penalty of reclusion perpetua shall be imposed
upon the owner, president, manager, director or other responsible officer of any public or private firm,
company, corporation or entity, who shall willfully or knowingly allow any explosive or incendiary device
Ss2K 27
or parts thereof owned or controlled by such firm, company, corporation or entity to be used by any
person or persons found guilty of violating the provisions of the preceding paragraphs.
 "SEC. 3-C. Relationship of Other Crimes with a Violation of this Decree and the Penalty Therefor. - When
a violation of Section 3, 3-A or 3-B of this Decree is a necessary means for committing any of the crimes
defined in the Revised Penal Code or special laws, or is in furtherance of, incident to, in connection with,
by reason of, or on occassion of any of the crimes defined in the Revised Penal Code or special laws, the
penalty of reclusion perpetua and a fine ranging from One hundred Thousand pesos (P100,000.00) to
One million pesos (P1,000,000.00) shall be imposed.
 "SEC. 3-D. Former Conviction or Acquittal; Double Jeopardy. - Subject to the provisions of the Rules of
Court on double jeopardy, if the application thereof is more favorable to the accused, the conviction or
acquittal of the accused or the dismissal of the case for violation of this Decree shall be a bar to another
prosecution of the same accused for any offense where the violation of this Decree was a necessary
means for committing the offense or in furtherance of which, incident to which, in connection with
which, by reason of which, or on occasion of which, the violation of this Decree was committed, and vice
versa.
 "SEC. 4. Responsibility and liability of Law Enforcement Agencies and Other Government Officials and
Employees in Testifying as Prosecution Witnesses. - Any member of law enforcement agencies or any
other government official and employee who, after due notice, fails or refuses, intentionally or
negligently, to appear as a witness for the prosecution of the defense in any proceeding, involving
violations of this Decree, without any valid reason, shall be punished with reclusion temporal and a fine
of Five hundred Thousand pesos (P500,000.00) in addition to the administrative liability he/she may be
meted out by his/her immediate superior and/or appropriate body.
 "The immediate superior of the member of the law enforcement agency or any other government
employee mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall be penalized with prision correccional and a fine
of not less than Ten Thousand pesos (P10,000.00) but not more than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00)
and in addition, perpetual absolute disqualification from public office if despite due notice to them and
to the witness concerned, the former does not exert reasonable effort to present the latter to the court.
 "The member of the law enforcement agency or any other government employee mentioned in the
preceding paragraphs shall not be transferred or reassigned to any other government office located in
another territorial jurisdiction during the pendency of the case in court. However, the concerned
member of the law enforcement agency or government employee may be transferred or reassigned for
compelling reasons: Provided, That his/her immediate superior shall notify the court where the case is
pending of the order to transfer or reassign, within twenty-four (24) hours from its approval: Provided,
further, That his/her immediate superior shall be penalized with prision correccional and a fine of not
less than Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) but not more than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) and in
addition, perpetual absolute disqualification from public office, should he/she fail to notify the court of
such order to transfer or reassign.
 "Prosecution and punishment under this Section shall be without prejudice to any liability for violation
of any existing law.
"SEC 4-A. Criminal Liability for Planting of Evidence
 Any person who is found guilty of 'planting' any explosive or incendiary device or any part, ingredient,
machinery, tool or instrument of any explosive or incendiary device, whether chemical, mechanical,
electronic, electrical or otherwise, shall suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua.
 "Planting of evidence shall mean the willful act by any person of maliciously and surreptitiously
inserting, placing, adding or attaching, directly or indirectly, through any overt or covert act, whatever
quantity of any explosive or incendiary device or any part, ingredient, machinery, tool or instrument of
any explosive or incendiary device, whether chemical, mechanical, electronic, electrical or otherwise in
the person, house, effects or in the immediate vicinity of an innocent individual for the purpose of
implicating incriminating or imputing the commission of any violation of this Decree.
"SEC. 4-B. Continuous Trial
Ss2K 28
 In cases involving violations of this Decree, the judge shall set the case for continuous trial on a daily
basis from Monday to Friday or other short-term trial calendar so as to ensure speedy trial. Such case
shall be terminated within ninety (90) days from arraignment of the accused.
"SEC. 4-C. Authority to Import, Sell or Possess Chemicals or Accessories for Explosives
 Only persons or entities issued a manufacturer's license, dealer's license or purchaser's license by the
Philippine National Police (PNP)-Firearms and Explosives Division may import any of the chemical or
accessories that can be used in the manufacture of explosives or explosive ingredients from foreign
suppliers, or possess or sell them to licensed dealers or end users, as the case may be.
"SEC. 4-D. Types of Chemicals/Accessories Covered
 The chemicals and accessories mentioned in the preceding Section shall exclusively refer to chlorates,
nitrates, nitric acid and such other chemicals and accessories that can be used for the manufacture of
explosives and explosive ingredients.
"SEC. 4-E. Record of Transactions
 Any person or entity who intends to import, sell or possess the aforecited chemicals or accessories shall
file an application with the chief of the PNP, stating therein the purpose for which the license and/or
permit is sought and such other information as may be required by the said official. The concerned
person or entity shall maintain a permanent record of all transactions entered into in relation with the
aforecited chemicals or accessories, which documents shall be open to inspection by the appropriate
authorities.
"SEC. 4-F. Cancellation of License
 Failure to comply with the provision of Section 4-C, 4-D and 4-E shall be sufficient cause for the
cancellation of the license and the confiscation of all such chemicals or accessories, whether or not
lawfully imported, purchased or possessed by the subject person or entity."
Sec. 4. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any provision of this Act is declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, the
other Sections or provisions thereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
Sec. 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions
of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
Sec. 6. Effecfivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in
two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
4. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10591
 AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE LAW ON FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION AND PROVIDING
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act”.
SEC. 2. Declaration of State Policy. – It is the policy of the State to maintain peace and order and protect the people
against violence. The State also recognizes the right of its qualified citizens to self-defense through, when it is the
reasonable means to repel the unlawful aggression under the circumstances, the use of firearms. Towards this end, the
State shall provide for a comprehensive law regulating the ownership, possession, carrying, manufacture, dealing in and
Ss2K 29
importation of firearms, ammunition, or parts thereof, in order to provide legal support to law enforcement agencies in
their campaign against crime, stop the proliferation of illegal firearms or weapons and the illegal manufacture of firearms
or weapons, ammunition and parts thereof.
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act:
a. Accessories refer to parts of a firearm which may enhance or increase the operational efficiency or accuracy of a
firearm but will not constitute any of the major or minor internal parts thereof such as, hut not limited to, laser
scope, telescopic sight and sound suppressor or silencer.
b. Ammunition refers to a complete unfixed unit consisting of a bullet, gunpowder, cartridge case and primer or
loaded shell for use in any firearm.
c. Antique firearm refers to any: (1) firearm which was manufactured at least seventy-five (75) years prior to the
current date but not including replicas; (2) firearm which is certified by the National Museum of the Philippines
to be curio or relic of museum interest; and (3) any other firearm which derives a substantial part of its monetary
value from the fact that it is novel, rare, bizarre or because of its association with some historical figure, period
or event.
d. Arms smuggling refers to the import, export, acquisition, sale, delivery, movement or transfer of firearms, their
parts and components and ammunition, from or across the territory of one country to that of another country
which has not been authorized in accordance with domestic law in either or both country/countries.
e. Authority to import refers to a document issued by the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) authorizing
the importation of firearms, or their parts, ammunition and other components.
f. Authorized dealer refers to any person, legal entity, corporation, partnership or business entity duly licensed by
the Firearms and Explosive Office (FEO) of the PNP to engage in the business of buying and selling ammunition,
firearms or parte thereof, at wholesale or retail basis.
g. Authorized importer refers to any person, legal entity, corporation, partnership or business duly licensed by the
FEO of the PNP to engage in the business of importing ammunition and firearms, or parts thereof into the
territory of the Republic of the Philippines for purposes of sale or distribution under the provisions of this Act.
h. Authorized manufacturer refers to any person, legal entity, corporation, or partnership duly licensed by the FEO
of the PNP to engage in the business of manufacturing firearms, and ammunition or parts thereof for purposes of
sale or distribution.
i. Confiscated firearm refers to a firearm that is taken into custody by the PNP, National Bureau of Investigation
(NBI), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and all other law enforcement agencies by reason of their
mandate and must be necessarily reported or turned over to the PEO of the PNP.
j. Demilitarized firearm refers to a firearm deliberately made incapable of performing its main purpose of firing a
projectile.
k. Duty detail order refers to a document issued by the juridical entity or employer wherein the details of the
disposition of firearm is spelled-out, thus indicating the name of the employee, the firearm information, the
specific duration and location of posting or assignment and the authorized bonded firearm custodian for the
juridical entity to whom such firearm is turned over after the lapse of the order.
l. Firearm refers to any handheld or portable weapon, whether a small arm or light weapon, that expels or is
designed to expel a bullet, shot, slug, missile or any projectile, which is discharged by means of expansive force
of gases from burning gunpowder or other form of combustion or any similar instrument or implement. For
purposes of this Act, the barrel, frame or receiver is considered a firearm.
m. Firearms Information Management System (FIMS) refers to the compilation of all data and information
on firearms ownership and disposition for record purposes.
n. Forfeited firearm refers to a firearm that is subject to forfeiture by reason of court order as accessory penalty or
for the disposition by the FEO of the PNP of firearms considered as abandoned, surrendered, confiscated or
revoked in compliance with existing rules and regulations.
o. Gun club refers to an organization duly registered with and accredited in good standing by the FEO of the PNP
which is established for the purpose of propagating responsible and safe gun ownership, proper appreciation and
use of firearms by its members, for the purpose of sports and shooting competition, self-defense and collection
purposes.
p. Gunsmith refers to any person, legal entity, corporation, partnership or business duly licensed by the FEO of the
PNP to engage in the business of repairing firearms and other weapons or constructing or assembling firearms
and weapons from finished or manufactured parts thereof on a per order basis and not in commercial quantities
or of making minor parts for the purpose of repairing or assembling said firearms or weapons.
Ss2K 30
q. Imitation firearm refers to a replica of a firearm, or other device that is so substantially similar in coloration and
overall appearance to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to believe that such imitation firearm is
a real firearm.
r. Licensed citizen refers to any Filipino who complies with the qualifications set forth in this Act and duly issued
with a license to possess or to carry firearms outside of the residence in accordance with this Act.
s. Licensed, juridical entity refers to corporations, organizations, businesses including security agencies and local
government units (LGUs) which are licensed to own and possess firearms in accordance with this Act.
t. Light weapons are: Class-A Light weapons which refer to self-loading pistols, rifles and carbines, submachine
guns, assault rifles and light machine guns not exceeding caliber 7.62MM which have fully automatic mode; and
Class-B Light weapons which refer to weapons designed for use by two (2) or more persons serving as a crew, or
rifles and machine guns exceeding caliber 7.62MM such as heavy machine guns, handheld underbarrel and
mounted grenade launchers, portable anti-aircraft guns, portable anti-tank guns, recoilless rifles, portable
launchers of anti-tank missile and rocket systems, portable launchers of anti-aircraft missile systems, and
mortars of a caliber of less than 100MM.
u. Long certificate of registration refers to licenses issued to government agencies or offices or government-owned
or -controlled corporations for firearms to be used by their officials and employees who are qualified to possess
firearms as provider in this Act, excluding security guards.
v. Loose firearm refers to an unregistered firearm, an obliterated or altered firearm, firearm which has been lost or
stolen, illegally manufactured firearms, registered firearms in the possession of an individual other than the
licensee and those with revoked licenses in accordance with the rules and regulations.
w. Major part or components of a firearm refers to the barrel, slide, frame, receiver, cylinder or the bolt
assembly. The term also includes any part or kit designed and intended for use in converting a semi-automatic
burst to a full automatic firearm.
x. Minor parts of a firearm refers to the parts of the firearm other than the major parts which are necessary to
effect and complete the action of expelling a projectile by way of combustion, except those classified as
accessories.
y. Permit to carry firearm outside of residence refers to a written authority issued to a licensed citizen by the Chief
of the PNP which entitles such person to carry his/her registered or lawfully issued firearm outside of the
residence for the duration and purpose specified in the authority.
z. Permit to transport firearm refers to a written authority issued to a licensed citizen or entity by the Chief of the
PNP or by a PNP Regional Director which entitles such person or entity to transport a particular firearm from and
to a specific location within the duration and purpose in the authority.
aa. Residence refers to the place or places of abode of the licensed citizen as indicated in his/her license.
bb. Shooting range refers to a facility established for the purpose of firearms training and skills
development, firearm testing, as well as for sports and competition shooting either for the exclusive use of its
members or open to the general public, duly registered with and accredited in good standing by the FEO of the
PNP.
cc. Short certificate of registration refers to a certificate issued by the FEO of the PNP for a government
official or employee who was issued by his/her employer department, agency or government-owned or -
controlled corporation a firearm covered by the long certificate of registration.
dd. Small arms refer to firearms intended to be or primarily designed for individual use or that which is
generally considered to mean a weapon intended to be fired from the hand or shoulder, which are not capable
of fully automatic bursts of discharge, such as:
1. Handgun which is a firearm intended to be fired from the hand, which includes:
2. A pistol which is a hand-operated firearm having a chamber integral with or permanently
aligned with the bore which may be self-loading; and
3. Revolver which is a hand-operated firearm with a revolving cylinder containing chambers
for individual cartridges.
4. Rifle which is a shoulder firearm or designed to be fired from the shoulder that can
discharge a bullet through a rifled barrel by different actions of loading, which may be
classified as lever, bolt, or self-loading; and
5. Shotgun which is a weapon designed, made and intended to fire a number of ball shots or
a single projectile through a smooth bore by the action or energy from burning
gunpowder.
ee. Sports shooting competition refers to a defensive, precision or practical sport shooting competition duly
authorized by the FEO of the PNP.
Ss2K 31
ff. Tampered, obliterated or altered firearm refers to any firearm whose serial number or other identification or
ballistics characteristics have been intentionally tampered with, obliterated or altered without authority or in
order to conceal its source, identity or ownership.
gg. Thermal weapon sight refers to a battery operated, uncooled thermal imaging device which amplifies
available thermal signatures so that the viewed scene becomes clear to the operator which is used to locate and
engage targets during daylight and from low light to total darkness and operates in adverse conditions such as
light rain, light snow, and dry smoke or in conjunction with other optical and red dot sights.
ARTICLE II
OWNERSHIP AND POSSESSION OF FIREARMS
SEC. 4. Standards and Requisites for Issuance of and Obtaining a License to Own and Possess Firearms. – In order to
qualify and acquire a license to own and possess a firearm or firearms and ammunition, the applicant must be a Filipino
citizen, at least twenty-one (21) years old and has gainful work, occupation or business or has filed an Income Tax Return
(ITR) for the preceding year as proof of income, profession, business or occupation.
 In addition, the applicant shall submit the following certification issued by appropriate authorities attesting the
following:
a. The applicant has not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude:
b. The applicant has passed the psychiatric test administered by a PNP-accredited psychologist or
psychiatrist;
c. The applicant has passed the drug test conducted by an accredited and authorized drug testing
laboratory or clinic;
d. The applicant has passed a gun safety seminar which is administered by the PNP or a registered
and authorized gun club;
e. The applicant has filed in writing the application to possess a registered firearm which shall
state the personal circumstances of the applicant;
f. The applicant must present a police clearance from the city or municipality police office; and
g. The applicant has not been convicted or is currently an accused in a pending criminal case
before any court of law for a crime that is punishable with a penalty of more than two (2)
years.
 For purposes of this Act, an acquittal or permanent dismissal of a criminal case before the courts of law shall
qualify the accused thereof to qualify and acquire a license.
 The applicant shall pay the reasonable licensing fees as may be provided in the implementing rules and
regulations of this Act.
 An applicant who intends to possess a firearm owned by a juridical entity shall submit his/her duty detail order to
the FEO of the PNP.
SEC. 5. Ownership of Firearms and Ammunition by a Juridical Entity. – A juridical person maintaining its own security force
may be issued a regular license to own and possess firearms and ammunition under the following conditions:
a. It must be Filipino-owned and duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC);
b. It is current, operational and a continuing concern;
c. It has completed and submitted all its reportorial requirements to the SEC; and
d. It has paid all its income taxes for the year, as duly certified by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
 The application shall be made in the name of the juridical person represented by its President or any of its
officers mentioned below as duly authorized in a board resolution to that effect: Provided, That the officer
applying for the juridical entity, shall possess all the qualifications required of a citizen applying for a license to
possess firearms.
 Other corporate officers eligible to represent the juridical person are: the vice president, treasurer, and board
secretary.
Ss2K 32
 Security agencies and LGUs shall be included in this category of licensed holders but shall be subject to additional
requirements as may be required by the Chief of the PNP.
SEC. 6. Ownership of Firearms by the National Government
 All firearms owned by the National Government shall be registered with the FEO of the PNP in the name of the
Republic of the Philippines. Such registration shall be exempt from all duties and taxes that may otherwise be
levied on other authorized owners of firearms. For reason of national security, firearms of the Armed Forces of
the Philippines (AFP), Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies shall only be reported to the FEO of the
PNP.
SEC. 7. Carrying of Firearms Outside of Residence or Place of Business.
 A permit to carry firearms outside of residence shall be issued by the Chief of the PNP or his/her duly authorized
representative to any qualified person whose life is under actual threat or his/her life is in imminent danger due
to the nature of his/her profession, occupation or business.
 It shall be the burden of the applicant to prove that his/her life is under actual threat by submitting a threat
assessment certificate from the PNP.
 For purposes of this Act, the following professionals are considered to be in imminent danger due to the nature
of their profession, occupation or business:
1. Members of the Philippine Bar;

2. Certified Public Accountants;
3. Accredited Media Practitioners;
4. Cashiers, Bank Tellers;
5. Priests, Ministers, Rabbi, Imams;
6. Physicians and Nurses;
7. Engineers; and
8. Businessmen, who by the nature of their business or undertaking, are exposed to high risk of
being targets of criminal elements.
ARTICLE III
REGISTRATION AND LICENSING
SEC. 8. Authority to Issue License. – The Chief of the PNP, through the FEO of the PNP, shall issue licenses to qualified
individuals and to cause the registration of firearms.
SEC. 9. Licenses Issued to Individuals. – Subject to the requirements set forth in this Act and payment of required fees to
be determined by the Chief of the PNP, a qualified individual may be issued the appropriate license under the following
categories;
1. Type 1 license – allows a citizen to own and possess a maximum of two (2) registered firearms;
2. Type 2 license – allows a citizen to own and possess a maximum of five (5) registered firearms;
3. Type 3 license – allows a citizen to own and possess a maximum of ten (10) registered firearms;
4. Type 4 license – allows a citizen to own and possess a maximum of fifteen (15) registered firearms; and
5. Type 5 license – allows a citizen, who is a certified gun collector, to own and possess more than fifteen (15)
registered firearms.
 For Types 1 to 5 licenses, a vault or a container secured by lock and key or other security measures for the
safekeeping of firearms shall be required.
 For Types 3 to 5 licenses, the citizen must comply with the inspection and bond requirements.
SEC. 10. Firearms That May Be Registered
Ss2K 33
 Only small arms may be registered by licensed citizens or licensed juridical entities for ownership, possession and
concealed carry.
 A light weapon shall be lawfully acquired or possessed exclusively by the AFP, the PNP and other law
enforcement agencies authorized by the President in the performance of their duties: Provided, That private
individuals who already have licenses to possess Class-A light weapons upon the effectivity of this Act shall not
be deprived of the privilege to continue possessing the same and renewing the licenses therefor, for the sole
reason that these firearms are Class “A” light weapons, and shall be required to comply with other applicable
provisions of this Act.
SEC. 11. Registration of Firearms
 The licensed citizen or licensed juridical entity shall register his/her/its firearms so purchased with the FEO of the
PNP in accordance with the type of license such licensed citizen or licensed juridical entity possesses. A
certificate of registration of the firearm shall be issued upon payment of reasonable fees.
 For purposes of this Act, registration refers to the application, approval, record-keeping and monitoring of
firearms with the FEO of the PNP in accordance with the type of license issued to any person under Section 9 of
this Act.
SEC. 12. License to Possess Ammunition Necessarily Included. – The licenses granted to qualified citizens or juridical
entities as provided in Section 9 of this Act shall include the license to possess ammunition with a maximum of fifty (50)
rounds for each registered firearm: Provided; That the FEO of the PNP may allow more ammunition to be possessed by
licensed sports shooters.
SEC. 13. Issuance of License to Manufacture or Deal In Firearms and Ammunition.
 Any person desiring to manufacture or deal in firearms, parts of firearms or ammunition thereof, or instruments
and implements used or intended to be used in the manufacture of firearms, parts of firearms or ammunition,
shall make an application to:
a. The Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the case of an
application for a license to manufacture; and
b. The Chief of the PNP in the case of a license to deal in firearms and firearms parts, ammunition and
gun repair.
 The applicant shall state the amount of capitalization for manufacture or cost of the purchase and sale of said
articles intended to be transacted by such applicant; and the types of firms, ammunition or implements which
the applicant intends to manufacture or purchase and sell under the license applied for; and such additional
information as may be especially requested by the Secretary of the DILG or the Chief of the PNP.
 The Secretary of the DILG or the Chief of the PNP may approve or disapprove such application based on the
prescribed guidelines. In the case of approval, the Secretary of the DILG or the Chief of the PNP shall indicate the
amount of the bond to be executed by the applicant before the issuance of the license and the period of time by
which said license shall be effective, unless sooner revoked by their authority.
 Upon approval of the license to manufacture or otherwise deal in firearms by the Secretary of the DILG or the
Chief of the PNP as the case may be, the same shall be transmitted to the FEO of the PNP which shall issue the
license in accordance with the approved terms and conditions, upon the execution and delivery by the applicant
of the required bond conditioned upon the faithful compliance on the part of the licensee to the laws and
regulations relative to the business licensed.
SEC. 14. Scope of License to Manufacture Firearms and Ammunition
 The scope of the License to Manufacture firearms and ammunition shall also include the following:
a. The authority to manufacture and assemble firearms, ammunition, spare parts and accessories,
ammunition components, and reloading of ammunitions, within sites, areas, and factories stated
therein. The Secretary of the DILG shall approve such license;
Ss2K 34
b. The license to deal in or sell all the items covered by the License to Manufacture, such as parts,
firearms or ammunition and components;
c. The authority to subcontract the manufacturing of parts and accessories necessary for the firearms
which the manufacturer is licensed to manufacture: Provided, That the subcontractor of major parts or
major components is also licensed to manufacture firearms and ammunition; and
d. The authority to import machinery, equipment, and firearm parts and ammunition components for the
manufacture thereof. Firearm parts and ammunition components to be imported shall, however, be
limited to those authorized to be manufactured as reflected in the approved License to Manufacture.
The Import Permit shall be under the administration of the PNP.
 A licensed manufacturer of ammunition is also entitled to import various reference firearms needed to test the
ammunition manufactured under the License to Manufacture. A licensed manufacturer of firearms, on the other
hand, is entitled to import various firearms for reference, test and evaluation for manufacture of similar, types of
firearms covered by the License to Manufacture.
 An export permit shall, however, be necessary to export manufactured parts or finished products of firearms and
ammunition. The Export Permit of firearms and ammunition shall be under the administration of the PNP.
SEC. 15. Registration of Locally Manufactured and Imported Firearms
 Local manufacturers and importers of firearms and major parts thereof shall register the same as follows:
a. For locally manufactured firearms and major parts thereof, the initial registration shall be done at the
manufacturing facility: Provided, That firearms intended for export shall no longer be subjected to
ballistic identification procedures; and
b. For imported firearms and major parts thereof, the registration shall be done upon arrival at the FEO of
the PNP storage facility.
SEC. 16. License and Scope of License to Deal
 The License to Deal authorizes the purchase, sale and general business in handling firearms and ammunition,
major and minor parts of firearms, accessories, spare parts, components, and reloading machines, which shall be
issued by the Chief of the PNP.
SEC. 17. License and Scope of License for Gunsmiths
 The license for gunsmiths shall allow the grantee to repair registered firearms. The license shall include
customization of firearms from finished or manufactured parts thereof on per order basis and not in commercial
quantities and making the minor parts thereof, i.e. pins, triggers, trigger bows, sights and the like only for the
purpose of repairing the registered firearm. The license for gunsmiths shall be issued by the Chief of the PNP.
SEC. 18. Firearms for Use in Sports and Competitions
 A qualified individual shall apply for a permit to transport his/her registered firearm/s from his/her residence to
the firing range/s and competition sites as may be warranted.
SEC. 19. Renewal of Licenses and Registration
 All types of licenses to possess a firearm shall be renewed every two (2) years. Failure to renew the license on or
before the date of its expiration shall cause the revocation of the license and of the registration of the firearm/s
under said licensee.
 The registration of the firearm shall be renewed every four (4) years. Failure to renew the registration of the
firearm on or before the date of expiration shall cause the revocation of the license of the firearm. The said
firearm shall be confiscated or forfeited in favor of the government after due process.
Ss2K 35
 The failure to renew a license or registration within the periods stated above on two (2) occasions shall cause the
holder of the firearm to be perpetually disqualified from applying for any firearm license. The application for the
renewal of the license or registration may be submitted to the FEO of the PNP, within six (6) months before the
date of the expiration of such license or registration.
SEC. 20. Inspection and Inventory.
 The Chief of the PNP or his/her authorized representative shall require the submission of reports, inspect or
examine the inventory and records of a licensed manufacturer, dealer or importer of firearms and ammunition
during reasonable hours.
ARTICLE IV
ACQUISITION, DEPOSIT OF FIREARMS, ABANDONED,

DEMILITARIZED AND ANTIQUE FIREARMS
SEC. 21. Acquisition or Purchase and Sale of Firearms and Ammunition
 Firearms and ammunition may only be acquired or purchased from authorized dealers, importers or local
manufacturers and may be transferred or sold only from a licensed citizen or licensed juridical entity to another
licensed citizen or licensed juridical entity: Provided, That, during election periods, the sale and registration of
firearms and ammunition and the issuance of the corresponding licenses to citizens shall be allowed on the
condition that the transport or delivery thereof shall strictly comply with the issuances, resolutions, rules and
regulations promulgated by the Commission on Elections.
SEC. 22. Deposit of Firearms by Persons Arriving From Abroad
 A person arriving in the Philippines who is legally in possession of any firearm or ammunition in his/her country
of origin and who has declared the existence of the firearm upon embarkation and disembarkation but whose
firearm is not registered in the Philippines in accordance with this Act shall deposit the same upon written
receipt with the Collector of Customs for delivery to the FEO of the PNP for safekeeping, or for the issuance of a
permit to transport if the person is a competitor in a sports shooting competition. If the importation of the same
is allowed and the party in question desires to obtain a domestic firearm license, the same should be undertaken
in accordance with the provisions of this Act. If no license is desired or leave to import is not granted, the firearm
or ammunition in question shall remain in the custody of the FEO of the PNP until otherwise disposed of in-
accordance with law.
SEC. 23. Return of Firearms to Owner upon Departure from the Philippines
 Upon the departure from the Philippines of any person whose firearm or ammunition is in the custody of the FEO
of the PNP, the same shall, upon timely request, be delivered to the person through the Collector of Customs. In
the case of a participant in a local sports shooting competition, the firearm must be presented to the Collector of
Customs before the same is allowed to be loaded on board the carrier on which the person is to board.
SEC. 24. Safekeeping of Firearms and Ammunition
 Any licensee may deposit a registered firearm to the FEO of the PNP, or any Police Regional Office for
safekeeping. Reasonable fees for storage shall be imposed.
SEC. 25. Abandoned Firearms and Ammunition
 Any firearm or ammunition deposited in the custody of the FEO of the PNP pursuant to the provisions of this Act,
shall be deemed to have been abandoned by the owner or his/her authorized representative if he/she failed to
Ss2K 36
reclaim the same within five (5) years or failed to advise the FEO of the PNP of the disposition to be made
thereof. Thereafter, the FEO of the PNP may dispose of the same after compliance with established procedures.
SEC. 26. Death or Disability of Licensee
 Upon the death or legal disability of the holder of a firearm license, it shall be the duty of his/her next of kin,
nearest relative, legal representative, or other person who shall knowingly come into possession of such firearm
or ammunition, to deliver the same to the FEO of the PNP or Police Regional Office, and such firearm or
ammunition shall be retained by the police custodian pending the issuance of a license and its registration in
accordance, with this Act. The failure to deliver the firearm or ammunition within six (6) months after the death
or legal disability of the licensee shall render the possessor liable for illegal possession of the firearm.
SEC. 27. Antique Firearm
 Any person who possesses an antique firearm shall register the same and secure a collector’s license from the
FEO of the PNP. Proper storage of antique firearm shall be strictly imposed. Noncompliance of this provision shall
be considered as illegal possession of the firearm as penalized in this Act.
ARTICLE V
PENAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 28. Unlawful Acquisition, or Possession of Firearms and Ammunition. – The unlawful acquisition, possession of
firearms and ammunition shall be penalized as follows:
1. The penalty of prision mayor in its medium period shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully
acquire or possess a small arm;
2. The penalty of reclusion temporal to reclusion perpetua shall be imposed if three (3) or more small arms or Class-
A light weapons are unlawfully acquired or possessed by any person;
3. The penalty of prision mayor in its maximum period shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully
acquire or possess a Class-A light weapon;
4. The penalty of reclusion perpetua shall be imposed upon any person who shall, unlawfully acquire or possess a
Class-B light weapon;
5. The penalty of one (1) degree higher than that provided in paragraphs (a) to (c) in this section shall be imposed
upon any person who shall unlawfully possess any firearm under any or combination of the following conditions:
a. Loaded with ammunition or inserted with a loaded magazine;
b. Fitted or mounted with laser or any gadget used to guide the shooter to hit the target such as thermal
weapon sight (TWS) and the like;
c. Fitted or mounted with sniper scopes, firearm muffler or firearm silencer;
d. Accompanied with an extra barrel; and
e. Converted to be capable of firing full automatic bursts.
6. The penalty of prision mayor in its minimum period shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully
acquire or possess a major part of a small arm;
7. The penalty of prision mayor in its minimum period shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully
acquire or possess ammunition for a small arm or Class-A light weapon. If the violation of this paragraph is
committed by the same person charged with the unlawful acquisition or possession of a small arm, the former
violation shall be absorbed by the latter;
acquire or possess a major part of a Class-A light weapon;
acquire or possess ammunition for a Class-A light weapon. If the violation of this paragraph is committed by the
same person charged with the unlawful acquisition or possession of a Class-A light weapon, the former violation
shall be absorbed by the latter;
acquire or possess a major part of a Class-B light weapon; and
Ss2K 37
acquire or possess ammunition for a Class-B light weapon. If the violation of this paragraph is committed by the
same person charged with the unlawful acquisition or possession of a Class-B light weapon, the former violation
shall be absorbed by the latter.
SEC. 29. Use of Loose Firearm in the Commission of a Crime
 The use of a loose firearm, when inherent in the commission of a crime punishable under the Revised Penal Code
or other special laws, shall be considered as an aggravating circumstance: Provided, That if the crime committed
with the use of a loose firearm is penalized by the law with a maximum penalty which is lower than that
prescribed in the preceding section for illegal possession of firearm, the penalty for illegal possession of firearm
shall be imposed in lieu of the penalty for the crime charged: Provided, further, That if the crime committed with
the use of a loose firearm is penalized by the law with a maximum penalty which is equal to that imposed under
the preceding section for illegal possession of firearms, the penalty of prision mayor in its minimum period shall
be imposed in addition to the penalty for the crime punishable under the Revised Penal Code or other special
laws of which he/she is found guilty.
 If the violation of this Act is in furtherance of, or incident to, or in connection with the crime of rebellion of
insurrection, or attempted coup d’ etat, such violation shall be absorbed as an element of the crime of rebellion
or insurrection, or attempted coup d’ etat.
 If the crime is committed by the person without using the loose firearm, the violation of this Act shall be
considered as a distinct and separate offense.
SEC. 30. Liability of Juridical Person
 The penalty of prision mayor in its minimum to prision mayor in its medium period shall be imposed upon the
owner, president, manager, director or other responsible officer of/any public or private firm, company,
corporation or entity who shall willfully or knowingly allow any of the firearms owned by such firm, company,
preceding section, or willfully or knowingly allow any of them to use unregistered firearm or firearms without
any legal authority to be carried outside of their residence in the course of their employment.
SEC. 31. Absence of Permit to Carry Outside of Residence
 The penalty of prision correccional and a fine of Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) shall be imposed upon any
person who is licensed to own a firearm but who shall carry the registered firearm outside his/her residence
without any legal authority therefor.
SEC. 32. Unlawful Manufacture, Importation, Sale or Disposition of Firearms or Ammunition or Parts Thereof,
Machinery, Tool or Instrument Used or Intended to be Used in the Manufacture of Firearms, Ammunition or Parts
Thereof
 The penalty of reclusion temporal to reclusion perpetua shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully
engage in the manufacture, importation, sale or disposition of a firearm or ammunition, or a major part of a
firearm or ammunition, or machinery, tool or instrument used or intended to be used by the same person in the
manufacture of a firearm, ammunition, or a major part thereof.
 The possession of any machinery, tool or instrument used directly in the manufacture of firearms, ammunition,
or major parts thereof by any person whose business, employment or activity does not lawfully deal with the
possession of such article, shall be prima facie evidence that such article is intended to be used in the unlawful or
illegal manufacture of firearms, ammunition or parts thereof.
 The penalty of prision mayor in its minimum period to prision mayor in its medium period shall be imposed upon
any laborer, worker or employee of a licensed firearms dealer who shall unlawfully take, sell or otherwise
dispose of parts of firearms or ammunition which the company manufactures and sells, and other materials used
by the company in the manufacture or sale of firearms or ammunition. The buyer or possessor of such stolen
part or material, who is aware that such part or material was stolen, shall suffer the same penalty as the laborer,
worker or employee.
Ss2K 38
 If the violation or offense is committed by a corporation, partnership, association or other juridical entity, the
penalty provided for in this section shall be imposed upon the directors, officers, employees or other officials or
persons therein who knowingly and willingly participated in the unlawful act.
SEC. 33. Arms Smuggling
 The penalty of reclusion perpetua shall be imposed upon any person who shall engage or participate in arms
smuggling as defined in this Act.
SEC. 34. Tampering, Obliteration or Alteration of Firearms Identification
 The penalty of prision correccional to prision mayor in its minimum period shall be imposed upon any person
who shall tamper, obliterate or alter without authority the barrel, slide, frame, receiver, cylinder, or bolt
assembly, including the name of the maker, model, or serial number of any firearm, or who shall replace without
authority the barrel, slide, frame, receiver, cylinder, or bolt assembly, including its individual or peculiar
identifying characteristics essential in forensic examination of a firearm or light weapon.
 The PNP shall place this information, including its individual or peculiar identifying characteristics into the
database of integrated firearms identification system of the PNP Crime Laboratory for future use and
identification of a particular firearm.
SEC. 35. Use of an Imitation Firearm
 An imitation firearm used in the commission of a crime shall be considered a real firearm as defined in this Act
and the person who committed the crime shall be punished in accordance with this Act: Provided, That injuries
caused on the occasion of the conduct of competitions, sports, games, or any recreation activities involving
imitation firearms shall not be punishable under this Act.
SEC. 36. In Custodia Legis
 During the pendency of any case filed in violation of this Act, seized firearm, ammunition, or parts thereof,
machinery, tools or instruments shall remain in the custody of the court. If the court decides that it has no
adequate means to safely keep the same, the court shall issue an order to turn over to the PNP Crime
Laboratory such firearm, ammunition, or parts thereof, machinery, tools or instruments in its custody during the
pendency of the case and to produce the same to the court when so ordered. No bond shall be admitted for the
release of the firearm, ammunition or parts thereof, machinery, tool or instrument. Any violation of this
paragraph shall be punishable by prision mayor in its minimum period to prision mayor in its medium period.
SEC. 37. Confiscation and Forfeiture
 The imposition of penalty for any violation of this Act shall carry with it the accessory penalty of confiscation and
forfeiture of the firearm, ammunition, or parts thereof, machinery, tool or instrument in favor of the
government which shall be disposed of in accordance with law.
SEC. 38. Liability for Planting Evidence
 The penalty of prision mayor in its maximum period shall be imposed upon any person who shall willfully and
maliciously insert; place, and/or attach, directly or indirectly, through any overt or covert act, any firearm, or
ammunition, or parts thereof in the person, house, effects, or in the immediate vicinity of an innocent individual
for the purpose of implicating or incriminating the person, or imputing the commission of any violation of the
provisions of this Act to said individual. If the person found guilty under this paragraph is a public officer or
employee, such person shall suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua.
SEC. 39. Grounds for Revocation, Cancellation or Suspension of License or Permit
Ss2K 39
 The Chief of the PNP or his/her authorized representative may revoke, cancel or suspend a license or permit on
the following grounds:
1. Commission of a crime or offense involving the firearm, ammunition, of major parts thereof;
2. Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude or any offense where the penalty carries an imprisonment of
more than six (6) years;
3. Loss of the firearm, ammunition, or any parts thereof through negligence;
4. Carrying of the firearm, ammunition, or major parts thereof outside of residence or workplace without, the
proper permit to carry the same;
5. Carrying of the firearm, ammunition, or major parts thereof in prohibited places;
6. Dismissal for cause from the service in case of government official and employee;
7. Commission of any of the acts penalized under Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the “Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002″;
8. Submission of falsified documents or misrepresentation in the application to obtain a license or permit;
9. Noncompliance of reportorial requirements; and
10. By virtue of a court order.
SEC. 40. Failure to Notify Lost or Stolen Firearm or Light Weapon
 A fine of Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) shall be imposed upon any licensed firearm holder who fails to report
to the FEO of the PNP that the subject firearm has been lost or stolen within a period of thirty (30) days from the
date of discovery.
 Likewise, a fine of Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) shall be imposed upon any person holding a valid firearm
license who changes residence or office address other than that indicated in the license card and fails within a
period of thirty (30) days from said transfer to notify the FEO of the PNP of such change of address.
SEC. 41. Illegal Transfer/Registration of Firearms
 It shall be unlawful to transfer possession of any firearm to any person who has not yet obtained or secured the
necessary license or permit thereof.
 The penalty of prision correccional shall be imposed upon any person who shall violate the provision of the
preceding paragraph. In addition, he/she shall be disqualified to apply for a license to possess other firearms and
all his/her existing firearms licenses whether for purposes of commerce or possession, shall be revoked. If
government-issued firearms, ammunition or major parts of firearms or light weapons are unlawfully disposed,
sold or transferred by any law enforcement agent or public officer to private individuals, the penalty of reclusion
temporal shall be imposed.
 Any public officer or employee or any person who shall facilitate the registration of a firearm through fraud,
deceit, misrepresentation or submission of falsified documents shall suffer the penalty of prision correccional.
FINAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 42. Firearms Repository
 The FEO of the PNP shall be the sole repository of all firearms records to include imported and locally
manufactured firearms and ammunition. Within one (1) year upon approval of this Act, all military and law
enforcement agencies, government agencies, LGUs and government-owned or -controlled corporations shall
submit an inventory of all their firearms and ammunition to the PNP.
SEC. 43. Final Amnesty
 Persons in possession of unregistered firearms and holders of expired license or unregistered firearms shall
register and renew the same through the Final General Amnesty within six (6) months from the promulgation of
the implementing rules and regulations of this Act. During the interim period of six (6) months, no person
applying for license shall be charged of any delinquent payment accruing to the firearm subject for registration.
Ss2K 40

Local Media1535103422374938453

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Local Media1535103422374938453

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

REVIEW NOTES IN FORENSIC BALLISTICS

A. BASIC TERMS AND CONCEPTS TO PONDER

It Involves the ff:

Important Personalities in the Study of Forensic Ballistics

1. Col. Calvin H. Goddard, MD., OS, U.S. Army

IMPORTANT DATES IN FIREARMS HISTORY:

Firearms and its

TWO GROUPS OF FIREARMS:

Terms related to shotgun:

GAUGE BORE DIAMETER/CALIBER

- Portable handguns appeared only in the early years of 16th century.

Classification of revolver according to firing mechanism:

THE THREE MAIN PARTS OF REVOLVER and PISTOL

1. recoil plug 4. recoil spring

Barrel – initiates the path of the bullet

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF FIREARMS:

1. ACCORDING TO GUN BARREL INTERNAL CONSTRUCTION

3. TYPES OF FIREARMS (accdg. to mechanical construction)

c. Bolt Action Type

AMMUNITION AND ITS

4 MAIN PARTS OF CASED AMMUNITION:

A modern cartridge consists of the following:

III. ACCORDING TO RIM

IV. ACCORDING TO CALIBER

- The .250 is the caliber in thousandths of an inch.

3. starter's pistols to signal the beginning of races.

4. Blank cartridges were commonly used for launching rifle grenades

Bullets history, parts

Note: Projectiles propelled from shotguns are termed SHOTS, PELLETS.

1. LEAD BULLETS/NON-JACKETED BULLETS

LEADING – adherence of lead into the bore of the gun.

Other purposes of jacket:

PARTS of a CARTRIDGE CASE:

Two fold function:

9. Shoulder – that portion which support the neck.

CLASSIFICATION BASED ON SHAPE AND HEAD FORM:

Primer parts, functions

Function: explodes on compression igniting the propellant.

Three (3) basic types of modern center fire primers:

1. Boxer Type (American Type) – invented by Col. Edward Munier Boxer.

What is Corrosion and Erosion?

Gunpowder history, types

Berthold Schwartz – credited for the application of gunpowder in propelling a missile.

Note: The Chinese were believed to be the first to invent gunpowder.

Two Types of Gunpowder:

4 main classes of smokeless powder:

Three (3) methods for testing GSR: (actually a color test)

ARMS MANUFACTURING PROCESSES RELATED TO FIREARMS

Marks Found on Fired Bullets:

Marks Found on fired Cartridge Case:

Other Marks found on fired shells:

Two (2) General Characteristics to be considered Regarding Ballistics Examination:

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS ACCORDING TO TYPES OF RIFLING:

PRINCIPLES OF FIREARM INVESTIGATION:

1. Principles of Identification of Fired Bullet

2. Principles of Identification of fired Shells

LABORATORY EQUIPMENTS USED IN FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION:

1. Bullet Comparison Microscope

a. First, 1 for comparison/preliminary

Note: 8 or more striations – accepted by the court.

CHAPTER X CRIME SCENE PROCEDURE FOR

CRIME SCENE PROCEDURE FOR SHOOTING INCIDENT