The Philippine National Police (PNP) has thrown its support behind legislative measures that would penalize firearm owners who neglect to secure their weapons, especially in households where children live.
The push for legal accountability gained momentum following a tragic shooting in Tacloban City earlier this month. The attack on students, which marked the nation’s first mass school shooting, left three students dead and 20 others wounded.
The weapons used reportedly included a PNP-issued service firearm and a revolver formerly registered to a security firm.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. noted that while firearms are vital for self-defense and residential safety, they become highly hazardous when minors gain access to them, recalling previous similar tragedies.
“Gun ownership is a privilege that comes with a big responsibility that also include ensuring that firearms are kept safe and well-secured. This privilege should not be given to people who are not capable of meeting gun ownership conditions,” said Nartatez.
The police chief’s statements coincide with ongoing congressional deliberations regarding House Bill No. 10058. The bill aims to hold gun owners living with minors criminally accountable if they fail to lock away their firearms.
The proposed law mandates that owners store their firearms inside tamper-resistant safes. Violators could face civil fines alongside the revocation of their gun licenses.
Furthermore, the measure directs the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office to verify safe storage during routine inspections and the license renewal process.
“We in the PNP fully trust the wisdom of lawmakers on the proposed measure pushing for liability of gun owners who are residing with minors and failed to secure their weapons,” Nartatez said.
Nartatez concluded that the PNP is prepared to provide technical insights and recommendations to help legislators refine the pending bill if requested.