MANILA, Philippines — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla called on Congress on Saturday to pass legislation that would hold firearm owners and parents fully liable when minors are involved in shooting incidents.
During a media conference on Saturday, September 19, Remulla pointed out that existing regulations offer minimal legal grounds for penalizing parents or legal guardians, limiting charges mostly to reckless imprudence.
“Legislation has to be put na ang magulang o owner ng gun is equally as liable as the child,” Remulla said.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief announced intentions to seek a Supreme Court ruling regarding whether the Philippine National Police (PNP) can legally inspect the residences of licensed gun owners to ensure weapons are stored securely.
Remulla noted three recent shooting cases involving registered weapons that belonged to government employees, observing that the arms had been left unsecured.
“There has to be a right for the state to inspect the gun owner’s premises kung tama ang storage ng kanilang baril,” Remulla said.
He highlighted that keeping a firearm in the Philippines is a privilege granted by the government rather than a constitutionally protected right, emphasizing that ownership must demand strict responsibilities.
“Remember, owning a firearm in the Philippines is not enshrined in the Constitution. And that privilege has to come with responsibility, and that responsibility has to come with accountability,” he said.
The interior secretary also suggested providing law enforcement expanded oversight to monitor how weapons are stored and maintained, including potential inspections without search warrants.
“Especially with the PNP, we should have the power to inspect without warrant, all gun owners and how they handle… and store their guns,” he said.
The DILG briefing followed a violent attack at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, which resulted in three student fatalities—including the suspect, aged 14—and left eight other students injured.