MANILA, Philippines —The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed support for legislative efforts seeking to hold negligent gun owners accountable if they fail to properly secure their firearms, particularly in households with minors.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that while firearms are one of the effective instruments for self-defense and home protection, they are also dangerous tools if they would land at the hands of children, citing cases of unfortunate incidents in the past.
“Gun ownership is a privilege that comes with a big responsibility that also includes ensuring that firearms are kept safe and well-secured. This privilege should not be given to people who are not capable of meeting gun ownership conditions,” said Nartatez.
This is the reason, Nartatez said, why the PNP has been very aggressive in the campaign against loose firearms as he stressed that firearms are dangerous tools if they would land in the wrong hands, Tacloban shooting being a clear example.
“We in the PNP fully trust the wisdom of lawmakers on the proposed measure pushing for liability of gun owners who are residing with minors and failed to secure their weapons,” Nartatez said.
The statement came as lawmakers are deliberating House Bill No. 10058, which seeks to hold gun owners living with minors liable if they fail to safely secure their firearms.
Under the proposal, firearm owners would be required to keep their guns in tamper-resistant safes or face civil liability and the revocation of their firearm licenses. The bill also directs the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office to verify compliance during periodic inspections and firearm license renewals.
The proposed legislation was filed following the fatal shooting at a school in Tacloban City that claimed the lives of three students and injured 20 others.
The incident prompted renewed calls for stricter firearm safekeeping requirements and stronger accountability for gun owners whose negligence may place minors and the public at risk.
