General santos city: Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara on Wednesday called for stronger gun safety following the recent incident involving learners in General Santos City. He particularly urged law enforcement to intensify efforts for responsible gun ownership nationwide.
According to Philippines News Agency, this appeal came after a nine-year-old learner was critically injured when a .38-caliber pistol was accidentally discharged while playing with a 13-year-old companion in a home. Angara emphasized the moral obligation of responsible gun keeping, stating, "Ang pagiging responsable sa pagtatago ng baril ay hindi lamang usapin ng pagsunod sa batas; ito ay isang moral na tungkulin upang maiwasan ang mga trahedyang nagbabago ng buhay (Responsible gun keeping is not only a mere adherence to law, but a moral obligation to prevent life-changing tragedies)."
He urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement bodies to enhance gun safety enforcement and prevent illegal possession among minors. Proposed measures include tightening background checks, regularly inspecting licensed firearm storage, and cracking down on illegal firearms.
Angara highlighted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s reminder that learner safety extends beyond school grounds. "Nagsisimula ito sa ating mga tahanan. Hindi natin kayang protektahan ang ating mga kabataan kung hindi tayo magtutulungan bilang isang buong komunidad (This begins at home. We cannot protect our youth if we do not work together as one community)," he said, urging parents and guardians to promote gun safety education and emphasize the extreme dangers of firearms.
The Department of Education (DepEd) is committed to ensuring a safe learning environment, strictly implementing its zero-tolerance policy as outlined in the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE) under DepEd Order No. 006, series of 2026. This policy prohibits firearms, ammunition, bladed weapons, and explosives during any school activity on the premises.
To further ensure safety, the DepEd has ordered tighter entry protocols, alongside non-intrusive inspections, risk assessments, and close coordination with the PNP for reporting any illegal weapons. Additionally, psychosocial support is available for learners affected by incidents of school violence.
