DPS spokeswoman Lei Ogumoro said the original deadline was Jan. 15 but there are some gun owners whose firearms are still unregistered or they have yet to renew their expired firearm licenses.
“DPS believes that this is sufficient notice for all gun owners to renew or transfer their firearms,” Ogumoro said.
She added that DPS patrol units have delivered final notices to individuals informing them to transfer or renew their gun permits.
She said any person who is in possession of illegal firearms and/or ammunition after the Feb. 16 deadline will be dealt with according to the law.
“DPS would like to inform gun owners that registering your firearms will benefit the community by not only promoting public safety and reducing the sale of stolen guns but also reducing the risk of potential loss of life within the community,” Ogumoro said.
She added that DPS resident directors on Tinian and Rota were already informed of this matter and are tasked to ensure compliance.
She said individuals who wished to relinquish ownership of their firearms must voluntarily surrender their firearms or ammunition to DPS for proper disposal.
Firearms with expired permits that are in the custody of the department’s armory section will be disposed after Feb. 16, 2009.
CNMI Range Master Ambrosio Ogumoro said as of Feb. 10, only Tinian has confirmed that all its gun holders had registered or renewed their firearms.
Saipan has 800 registered firearm holders but 250 remain unregistered as of now.
On Rota, 60 gun permits have expired.
