Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed support for legislative efforts that seek to hold negligent gun owners accountable if they fail to properly secure their firearms, particularly in households with minors. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized that while firearms serve as effective tools for self-defense and home protection, they pose significant dangers if they fall into the hands of children, referencing past unfortunate incidents.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez stated that gun ownership is a privilege accompanied by the responsibility of ensuring that firearms are kept safe and well-secured. Nartatez remarked, "This privilege should not be given to people who are not capable of meeting gun ownership conditions." He further explained that the PNP's aggressive campaign against loose firearms stems from the potential dangers posed by firearms in the wrong hands.
Nartatez expressed the PNP's trust in lawmakers regarding the proposed measure, which seeks to impose liability on gun owners residing with minors who fail to secure their weapons. The statement was made during deliberations on House Bill No. 10058, aimed at holding such gun owners accountable.
The proposed legislation requires firearm owners to store their guns in tamper-resistant safes, with non-compliance resulting in civil liability and the revocation of firearm licenses. Additionally, the bill directs the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office to conduct compliance verifications during periodic inspections and firearm license renewals.
The legislative proposal follows a tragic school shooting in Tacloban City, where three students lost their lives and 20 others were injured, prompting renewed calls for stringent firearm safekeeping requirements and greater accountability for negligent gun owners.
Nartatez assured that the PNP is ready to provide technical recommendations to lawmakers if needed, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla's directive to strengthen responsible gun ownership and prevent unauthorized access to firearms, particularly by children. "The PNP is ready to make the necessary recommendations if needed by the authorities," Nartatez affirmed.
