The Akbayan Reform Bloc filed a measure seeking comprehensive reforms to strengthen school safety and protect children from gun violence following renewed concerns over security threats in educational institutions.
House Bill No. 10058, or the Child Safety Against Gun Violence Act, aims to improve school protection measures, regulate access to firearms, and establish stronger accountability mechanisms to prevent violence involving minors.
The measure was filed by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno, together with Akbayan Representatives Percival Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula, and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao.
The proposal comes after the Department of Education (DepEd) conducted its first National Safe Schools Summit and Safety Drill, which included an active shooter simulation inside school premises.
The exercise allowed students, teachers, and local authorities to practice lockout, lockdown, and evacuation procedures, highlighting the need for stronger institutional safeguards against possible armed threats.
“We owe it to our children, teachers, and families to make our schools safe places for learning and opportunity. We must never allow violence to become part of the school experience,” Diokno said.
Under the proposed measure, minors would be prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under any circumstances. It also seeks to designate schools and areas within a 100-meter radius of school premises as Gun-Free School Zones.
The bill further prohibits individuals below 21 years old from entering shooting ranges or undergoing firearms training.
For licensed gun owners living with minors, the measure requires firearms to be unloaded and stored inside tamper-resistant gun safes, with ammunition kept separately and inaccessible to children.
Compliance with these requirements would be checked during firearm license renewal and inspection procedures.
The proposal also establishes civil and administrative liability for parents, guardians, firearm license holders, shooting range operators, and school officials whose negligence allows minors to access firearms or who fail to act on credible threats of armed violence.
Beyond firearm regulation, the bill seeks to institutionalize a comprehensive school safety framework by requiring schools to appoint School Safety Officers, establish School Safety Committees, create emergency response plans, improve campus security measures, and strengthen anti-bullying programs.
It also expands access to guidance counseling, establishes threat assessment teams, and provides mental health and psychosocial support following incidents of violence.
The proposed legislation likewise creates a National School Safety Council under the Department of Education to coordinate implementation among government agencies and monitor compliance through annual reports submitted to Congress.