THE Philippine National Police (PNP) called on licensed firearm holders to adopt responsible handling and secure storage of guns as a daily habit to help prevent incidents involving unauthorized access and protect families and communities.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. made the appeal as the PNP’s Civil Security Group (CSG) rolled out the nationwide “Gun Safety Advocacy Campaign” amid recent firearm-related incidents involving minors in schools.
He said the campaign aims to reinforce accountability among firearm owners and remind them that lawful possession carries obligations beyond complying with licensing requirements.
“Recent firearm-related incidents involving minors remind us that gun safety cannot be taken for granted. We are strengthening our advocacy to ensure that legally owned firearms are properly handled, securely stored, and kept away from unauthorized persons,” Nartatez said in a statement on Sunday.
Carrying the tagline “Own a gun responsibly. Gun safety is a continuing duty,” the campaign promotes responsible firearm ownership, proper storage, safe handling, and measures that prevent guns from falling into the hands of unauthorized persons.
Recognizing the need to strengthen community-level awareness, Nartatez directed all Police Regional Offices and local police units to intensify public information drives on responsible firearm ownership.
He also instructed the CSG to conduct gun safety seminars and stakeholder engagements nationwide to expand public awareness of firearm safety practices.
“Enforcement is important, but prevention can stop an incident from happening in the first place. Through public education and community participation, we want responsible firearm ownership and safe handling to become part of everyday practice,” Nartatez said.
The campaign supports the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations program, and seeks to strengthen a culture of responsibility among firearm owners and reinforce the message that preventing firearm-related incidents starts with everyday precautions.
“Owning a firearm comes with a continuing duty to keep it safe and secure. A license to own a gun also means taking responsibility for ensuring that it does not reach a person who is not authorized to have it,” he said.
