MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a nationwide “Gun Safety Advocacy Campaign” urging firearm owners to practice safe handling and secure storage to prevent unauthorized access and protect communities.
The initiative, spearheaded by the PNP Civil Security Group (CSG), comes in response to recent firearm-related incidents involving minors in schools, which sparked renewed concern over access to registered weapons.
PNP chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized that lawful gun ownership extends beyond merely securing a license.
“Recent firearm-related incidents involving minors remind us that gun safety cannot be taken for granted. We are strengthening our advocacy to ensure that legally owned firearms are properly handled, securely stored, and kept away from unauthorized persons,” Nartatez stated.
Carrying the tagline “Own a gun responsibly. Gun safety is a continuing duty,” the campaign focuses on educating the public on proper storage, safe handling, and strict measures to keep weapons out of unauthorized hands.
Nartatez ordered regional and local police units to step up public information drives, while directing the CSG to host gun safety seminars and community outreach programs across the country.
“Enforcement is important but prevention can stop an incident from happening in the first place. Through public education and community participation, we want responsible firearm ownership and safe handling to become part of everyday practice,” Nartatez said.
“Owning a firearm comes with a continuing duty to keep it safe and secure. A license to own a gun also means taking responsibility for ensuring that it does not reach a person who is not authorized to have it,” he added.