Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday vowed to strengthen accountability measures among its personnel to prevent children and other unauthorized persons from gaining access to service weapons. He directed commanders nationwide to remind all police personnel of the proper storage and handling of firearms, particularly while 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 Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

According to Philippines News Agency, this directive aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s initiative to enhance public safety by ensuring government personnel exercise responsibility in the handling and safekeeping of firearms. Nartatez also instructed police commanders to conduct firearm-accountability reminders during unit briefings and formations. Recent school shootings involving firearms issued to government personnel occurred at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School and San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte.

'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 emphasized.

Nartatez mentioned that the PNP will also allocate sufficient personnel and resources for the planned nationwide school safety drills organized by the Department of Education on Aug. 25. 'We have been involved in crafting measures to ensure the protection of learners and every learning space. The hard work is not yet done since your PNP will also be there to make sure that these safety measures are properly implemented in every school,' he stated.

He further explained that the drills aim to educate students, teachers, and other school personnel on appropriate actions during security threats. Police units will use these exercises to refine coordination with school authorities and local government officials. 'These drills will intensify coordination mechanisms among the police, school authorities and barangay officials, especially when there are threat situations,' Nartatez added.