22Graham22
9/12/2016 17:46 EST
Hi, I wanted to know if it was legal to bring/own a Taser Bolt Stun Gun into the country.
I have one and wanted to put it into my bag for importation, does anyone know the relevant law that it falls under.
They are non lethal defense weapons and the cartridges are uniquely identified with anti-felon ID tags when fired.
I have one of these and a stun gun with baton and pepper stray, I now the spray is OK and the baton is just fine, it was the Taser Bolt that concerned me as they are $400.00 items so not great to lose to some over zealous customs guy that doesn't know the relevant laws.
The main question I suppose is what law covers use and deployment of these non lethal weapons within the Philippines?
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seernai
9/12/2016 18:56 EST
Anything resembling a gun is a no no especially in the Present climate where there is a war on crime here
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Rescuer
9/12/2016 19:00 EST
Regardless if it is legal or not, you can expect to be extorted by customs, but perhaps not if PDU30's new policies with respect to corrupt customs officers are being implemented properly.
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seernai
9/12/2016 19:06 EST
Again regardless if it's legal or not customs may ask you why do you need to bring in a stun gun in the first place ?foreigners do need to keep a low profile right now and not draw attention to themselves by the Authorities
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22Graham22
9/12/2016 19:27 EST
Self protection is a right for everyone in the world. They are kept in the house so you are not liable to be used for anything but protection!
I feel sure non lethal protection should be applauded not frowned upon because you need to "keep a low profile" Not much point going anywhere if you aren't free.
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seernai
9/12/2016 19:56 EST
Please do not misunderstand me here , I am aware of the right to protect ones self but in the light of recent Terroist activity one has to balance that because all it takes is on over zealous Police officer or customs officer and it's a whole new ball game anyway I think you can buy that here thereby avoiding potential problems in the first place it's easy to say you have the right to protect yourself but now the police have the right to shoot as well look at what's been happening lately , sure you can come and go as you please but why would
You need to carry a stun gun in the first place if your out in the public domain
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Rescuer
9/12/2016 20:08 EST
seernai ~ Good point. Anything resembling a gun can get you arrested, and depending on how effective PDU30's anticorruption policies are, extorted by corrupt cops/customs officials.
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Rescuer
9/12/2016 20:19 EST
22Graham22 ~ That attitude will get you into a LOT of trouble here. It doesn't matter if you are right, you are a guest here and officials can be very powerful and dangerous if they want to be. They can interpret their own laws any way they want to. People have their lives threatened and get extorted by corrupt cops here every day. Hopefully this will change under PDU30, but I wouldn't push my luck today if I were you.
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draks
9/12/2016 20:26 EST
You can buy tazers here no problem but to try and bring one in could cause a lot of unnecessary problems.
Philippines is not the safest place in the world, but its not so dangerous that you need to be armed even for 'self defence'. Never carried anything here. But a baseball bat and pepper spray would be enough. Pepper spray can be bought here. Flash light that have a stun gun build in are easily available extending night sticks are available butterfly knives are easy right up to a very sharp machete I would not try to import anything like that.
Your best form of defence is to keep a low profile don't be boastful, be respectful and friendly. No problem
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seernai
9/12/2016 20:28 EST
Thank you Rescuer , we have been warned by Police intelligence a few weeks back in our local expat meetings about this as this question came up from one of the guys and the police said don't even think about it they also understood our frustrations at not being to protect ourselves effectively especially the guys who are ex military and know how to use a fire arm or stun gun fact is the Police don't want to deal with anymore problems than they have already got
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seernai
9/12/2016 20:59 EST
Well if they want to believe the palm trees and Beautiful Girl adverts be it on their own heads if they don't want to listen , sure the Philippines is mostly safe away from Mindanao but you still need to be very careful and obey the laws on bringing anything into the country
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TeeJay4103
9/12/2016 22:04 EST
Yes you can bring your taser into the Philippines in your checked in baggage but not your carry on, though other countries such as Hong Kong do not allow the taser in either carry on or checked in baggage. See the link below.
http://kickerdaily.com/posts/2015/08/34-filipinos-hk-restricted-items-stun-guns-tasers/
Another article mentioning tasers prohibited and non prohibited items:
http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2015/07/14/dotc-transportation-security-prohibited-items-airport-airplane.html
Yes you can own a taser in the Philippines and they can be purchased throughout the country.
Whether you want to carry it while you are here is up to you, though the old saying about bringing a knife to a gunfight comes to mind. If you pull it out, your opponent may pull out his bolo or a gun and you loose.
My wife and I brought a taser to the Phil shipped in our Balikbayan boxes (about 2 months ship time), from the U.S. without issue and it stays in our home, though my wife does carry pepper spray with her when she is out on her own at my request.
A little info from another expat:
Stun gun/tazer possession is NOT prohibited in the Philippines unlike illegal possession of firearms which is punishable under Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act of 2012 (R.A. 10591), Section 3(l),(t), (dd) and Section 28 (Penal Provisions). A stun gun do not fall within the definition of "Firearms", "Light Weapon" and "Small Arms" under the said provision. However, improper and illegal use of such devices may subject the owner, user or possessor thereof to criminal liabilities under the Philippine Revised Penal Code on applicable felonies. Moreover, under Commonwealth Act 613, The Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, Section 38(a)(8) aliens maybe deported under certain conditions on using force, violence etc.
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22Graham22
9/12/2016 22:20 EST
I have traveled extensively so I'm really used to the realities of life, perhaps someone with good experience of them can private message me with all that will be needed to smooth the path to one of no resistance :)
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Rescuer
9/12/2016 22:30 EST
TeeJay4103 ~ I was also going to mention the bringing a knife to a gunfight thing. The problem with the Penal Code you are citing is the interpretation of it involving criminal liabilities. Beyond this, the harsh reality is that if you have the attitude of telling the police that you have the "right" to have these things in your possession, you could find yourself in a LOT of trouble. If they choose to put you in jail, the wait for a trial will be a VERY long one.
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Rescuer
9/12/2016 22:37 EST
Yep, a good pair of running shoes might be a better option :-) If a foreigner challenges a cop here about his rights, who do you think is going to win? About 3,000 dead Filipinos probably would think they had rights since PDU30 has been in office.
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TeeJay4103
9/12/2016 22:58 EST
Rescuer,
Agreed. That is why ours stays in the house. I for one would not want to depend on the fairness of the PNP should I be caught using the taser on a Philippines citizen.
It may be legal to own, but is it wise to carry it around? Probably not.
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22Graham22
9/12/2016 22:58 EST
Thanks for your comprehensive answer, I can now research the subject and decide the best ways to move forward.
The item is meant to stay within the home for protection from unwanted intruders; it will drop just about anyone and incapacitate for 5 or more minutes giving you plenty of time to clear valuable items and get the relevant authorities to apprehend them and continue with life in safety.
Any thoughts from anyone as to the best way to move forward with methods to stop any possible intimidation from the wrong sources would be much appreciated.
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Rescuer
9/12/2016 23:23 EST
TeeJay4103 ~ You are exactly correct. I know of a guy who was ________ (Fill in the blank) by the PNP. The only reason he escaped was because he had a second hidden cellphone and knew a higher up more powerful person to rescue him.
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Rescuer
9/12/2016 23:39 EST
22Graham22 ~ You shouldn't have a problem if it never leaves the house, so the only issue is getting it here. Penal Codes, laws, statutes, etc. can be interpreted anyway officials want to interpret them. It's really the luck of the draw as to who you might have to deal with. Personally, I would just buy it here and eliminate the potential risk. Just my opinion.
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GaryD
9/13/2016 04:17 EST
There are a few deaths per year from tazars. If a citizen was to die from one, even in your home after forced entry I would not hold out to much for any preceived rights. Prison would be the safest place for you, assuming you got there in one piece.
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Rescuer
9/13/2016 04:50 EST
GaryD ~ Very good point. In light of the last 3,000 deaths here, I think making it to jail unlikely. A 25 peso solution is quick and easy if you know what I mean......he tried to escape, he resisted arrest, he had drugs in the house, etc. Might be a better idea to rethink things, like barriers, a big dog with a loud bark, etc.
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22Graham22
9/13/2016 04:50 EST
I have to wonder why anyone would live there after reading all I've read!
It seems fear seems to be the prevailing thought when answering a question.
I live in a place where you can carry without hesitation; does that make it good, well not really, but at least you are aware.
No Glock 30 at home = taser
Crooks and thieves learn how to obtain weapons and don't care about the consequences.
If a "citizen" died while in the process of a forced entry robbery I'd not be losing much sleep over it!
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draks
9/13/2016 07:55 EST
The thing is its not that dangerous that you need weapons in your house a nice big loud barking dog on a long chain is good defence. The only thing I would have is pepper spray.
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ACEPoolPlayer
9/13/2016 08:00 EST
I've mentioned this before, the best way to keep safe in the Philippines is to lie low and keep yourself out of controversial situations. Don't get into fights or arguments with Filipinos. It's a no win situation. I've been in fights and arguments (Filipinos refusing to pay for their bills in my establishment). I've been in bad situations. When I look back at them, they were bad decisions on my part. I was lucky, the outcomes could have been much worse. My advice is if at all possible walk away or allow your wife/girlfriend/relative to handle the situation. Now if you are defending your own home, your chances of a good defense is a lot better. No matter how big, tough or confident you may be, whenever possible, walk away! Furthermore to bring a protective weapon outside of the home is not a good idea.
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Rescuer
9/13/2016 08:10 EST
22Graham22 ~ I think the line was something to the effect of....You aren't in Kansas anymore Dorothy. The Philippines is not at all like the US or other developed countries. If you are going to live here you need to understand the culture and adapt to it.
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Rescuer
9/13/2016 17:07 EST
ACEPoolPlayer ~ Very good advice. You might notice that Filipinos are not confrontational. You never know how crazy the person you are confronting is, or who they know. Add to this the rampant use of shabu here and the fact that many people have nothing to lose and you have a recipe for disaster.
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Rescuer
9/14/2016 02:20 EST
Yep, most Filipinos seem to be afraid of dogs, probably because most of them have rabies here.
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ACEPoolPlayer
9/14/2016 07:34 EST
There is a very high incidence of Rabies in the Philippines due to the numerous number of stray dogs on the streets going through garbage that also contain rats. Many rats of course carry Rabies. The VPOP (Veterinary Practitioners of the Philippines) advertises all over the place to get Rabies shots (to promote business). The average Filipino thinks if they get bit by any dog they will get Rabies, so they are all scared to get bit and die of Rabies. In homes any kind of dog, especially a larger one is great for a watch dog (to alert someone that an intruder may be around) or as a guard dog to deter possible intruders. The old Charlie Atlas advertisement.... Bodybuilding may not win you many fights but it surely will keep you out of many.
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draks
9/14/2016 21:00 EST
Surely if you think a country is so dangerous that you need a weapon, lethal or non lethal, why even think of living there? If I was scared every night that I was going to be burgled. Or murdered I would not live here that's for sure
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draks
9/14/2016 21:05 EST
There are parts of the Philippines that care not safe at all, but in general its safe enough.
As been said so many times keep a low profile be friendly and respectful, have loads and loads of patience and you will probably be ok.
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0bieone
9/15/2016 01:05 EST
Don't bring it!! I've all the views...All are correct!! But a #9 iron works wonders, or if your swing is really good a good Baseball Bat, and a big dog!! Been here in Mindinao for 16 years....(NO PROBLEMS)!!
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0bieone
9/15/2016 01:05 EST
Don't bring it!! I've all the views...All are correct!! But a #9 iron works wonders, or if your swing is really good a good Baseball Bat, and a big dog!! Been here in Mindinao for 16 years....(NO PROBLEMS)!!
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GaryD
9/15/2016 06:54 EST
Just be carefull with the baseball bat because you will probably be picking up the hospital bill.
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ACEPoolPlayer
9/15/2016 07:49 EST
In the Philippines you are better off deterring trouble rather than getting the best of the offender. "He may have stabbed me but I beat him good with my bat." You are much better off with dogs or if you can afford it a security guard, if you really think it's necessary. I knew a very popular hotel manager in Angeles City. He caught a guy breaking in, he beat the guy good but ended up dying from stab wounds.
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Rescuer
9/15/2016 08:03 EST
GaryD ~ Yep, that's why I suggested barriers and dogs. I think funerals here are going for about 50,000 pesos these days.......
Just be carefull with the baseball bat because you will probabl
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GaryD
9/15/2016 08:39 EST
That's why if you are going to be run over in the Philippines you will be run over twice, the second time as they back over you, funerals are cheaper than hospitals
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Rescuer
9/15/2016 16:59 EST
Yes, that's why I said barriers and dogs. I'm a big fan of preventing problems before they occur instead of trying to put out fires......What I call the Filipino low bat/no load syndrome. Instead of recharging or loading phones when they are getting low, most Filipinos will wait until they have a dead battery or no load. This mentality applies to most things, bahalana, it's God's will.
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Rescuer
9/15/2016 17:16 EST
GaryD ~ Yes, very true, and not just a rumor. I've been to the gravesite of somebody who was run over repeatedly for this reason. The funeral was much cheaper than a lifetime of hospital bills.
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22Graham22
9/16/2016 16:47 EST
I was going to mention that's what insurance is for but I figure they'll just ask what the hell is that?
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Rescuer
9/16/2016 16:54 EST
I also know somebody who accidentally ran over a kid and was extorted for millions by the family. Like I said before, you aren't in Kansas anymore Dorothy ;-)
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Rescuer
9/16/2016 16:54 EST
I also know somebody who accidentally ran over a kid and was extorted for millions by the family. Like I said before, you aren't in Kansas anymore Dorothy ;-)
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22Graham22
9/16/2016 16:58 EST
Yes many times in the past I’ve come round a corner in the dark to meet a family on an outing, wife and 3 kids on a tiny bike with no lights! Scary!
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Spruik
9/16/2016 18:28 EST
>>>
What I call the Filipino low bat/no load syndrome. Instead of recharging or loading phones when they are getting low, most Filipinos will wait until they have a dead battery or no load.
<<<
The concept of placing the phone on charge overnight seems alien to all Asians... lol
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