The Philippine National Police (PNP) is tightening firearm accountability measures among its personnel to prevent children and unauthorized individuals from accessing police-issued weapons.
The directive follows instructions from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to enforce strict gun safety and ensure public safety officials properly store government-issued firearms.
“We remind all our personnel to exercise utmost responsibility in securing their firearms, especially when they are off duty and at home. Firearms must never be left in places where children or unauthorized persons can gain access to them,” PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said.
Nartatez instructed police commanders nationwide to routinely remind personnel about safe storage and handling procedures. Standard firearm accountability reminders will also be integrated into regular unit briefings and formations.
The move comes after recent deadly school shootings involving weapons issued to government personnel. On Aug. 18, two students died in a shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School involving a 14-year-old gunman. Nearly two months earlier, two students aged 14 and 15 opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, killing three students.
The tragedies have reignited calls for government agencies to enforce stricter controls on firearms assigned to uniformed personnel when off duty.
“Here in the PNP, we will continue to remind our personnel that owning or carrying a firearm comes with a serious responsibility. One moment of negligence can result in the loss of life. We support calls for stricter accountability among gun owners. Responsible storage is non-negotiable,” Nartatez said.