The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed support for a proposed law that would hold gun owners accountable if they fail to properly secure their firearms in homes where minors are present, following the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said responsible gun ownership goes beyond possessing a firearm and includes ensuring that weapons cannot be accessed by children or unauthorized individuals.
“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,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief said the police organization supports the ongoing deliberations on House Bill No. 10058, which seeks to impose liability on firearm owners who live with minors and fail to safely store their guns.
Under the proposed measure, gun owners would be required to keep their firearms in tamper-resistant safes. Those who fail to comply could face civil liability and the revocation of their firearm licenses.
The bill also tasks the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office with checking compliance during firearm license renewals and periodic inspections.
The proposal was filed after a fatal shooting inside a school in Tacloban City that left three students dead and 20 others injured, prompting renewed calls for stricter firearm storage requirements.
Nartatez said the PNP remains ready to assist lawmakers by providing technical recommendations to strengthen the measure in line with the administration’s campaign for responsible gun ownership.
“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,” he said.
He added that the PNP will continue its campaign against loose firearms while supporting policies that prevent guns from falling into the hands of children and other unauthorized persons.
