MANILA, Philippines — Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno advocated on Sunday for increased penalties against firearm owners who fail to store their weapons securely, responding to a deadly shooting at a school in Banga, South Cotabato.
His statement followed two days after a fatal incident at Banga National High School that left three students dead and eight others injured.
Diokno also called on authorities to enforce stricter sanctions on shooting ranges that permit minors to handle firearms or offer them instruction.
“Dapat mas mahigpit ang parusa dun sa mga firing range na pumapayag humawak ang bata ng baril at tinturuan kung paano bumaril, and that is also a factor na pwede ma-inflict na may hawak ng baril,” Diokno stated.
Banga Mayor Albert Palencia previously confirmed that the firearm used belonged to the suspect’s father, an employee of the Department of Education (DepEd).
Without requiring new legislation, the government could immediately direct executive action to audit firearm ownership among public officials and employees, according to Diokno.
“Puede gawin ng Executive Department, mag utos sila ng isang audit ng lahat ng mga public official na may baril at alamin din nila yung safety steps na sinasagawa ng opicial that is within their authority,” Diokno said.
For private gun owners, the lawmaker suggested incorporating routine storage safety inspections into the firearm registration process.
“Owning a gun is a big responsibility and there must be very stiff penalties for those who are negligent in terms of gun safety,” he added.
Diokno also pressed for the enhanced enforcement of the Anti-Bullying Law, urging officials to explore potential links between campus bullying and rising incidents of violence in schools.
“Mayroon pang mas malalim na mga isyu na dapat tugunan at tingnan ang pamahalaan. Mukhang may koneksyon itong mga pangyayari sa bullying,” Diokno remarked.
Meanwhile, DepEd announced plans to coordinate with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to investigate reports linking the shooter to an online group.
Mayor Palencia noted that the student was allegedly involved with a “true crime community,” an avenue investigators are considering. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla also noted on Saturday that the student had accessed the deep web, which contributed to his actions.