How strict are gun laws in the Philippines?
Restrictive
Handguns are licensed only at the authorities' discretion, or only to club members or existing owners.
The Philippines is one of 87 countries classified “Restrictive” for civilian gun ownership — 43% of the 202 with data. (Also searched as firearm laws.)
Source
- Last checked
- 17 September 2026
- How it was classified
- Read directly from the source’s own table, without interpretation.
Nearby countries
- Taiwan
- Restrictive Handguns are licensed only at the authorities' discretion, or only to club members or existing owners.
- Hong Kong
- Restrictive Handguns are restricted and issued only under license, with self-defense not being a sufficient standalone reason.
- Brunei
- Highly restrictive / banned Civilians cannot obtain handguns.
- Malaysia
- Restrictive Malaysia operates a may-issue system for firearms and carrying, with personal protection accepted as a reason.
- Palau
- Highly restrictive / banned Civilians cannot obtain handguns.
- Vietnam
- Highly restrictive / banned Civilians cannot obtain handguns.
Other laws in Philippines
- Death Penalty
- Fully abolished
- Military Conscription
- No conscription
Every law in the Philippines → · How strict are gun laws around the world? →
A visual reference compiled from Wikipedia’s law-by-country articles, not legal advice. Laws change and summaries simplify — check a primary source before relying on anything here.