BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has reminded all police personnel to exercise responsible firearm ownership and accountability among their ranks, following the unauthorized use of a police-issued firearm by one of the two minor suspects in a school shooting incident in Tacloban City.

Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, PRO-NIR chief, urged personnel across the region to be responsible, vigilant, and accountable in handling and safekeeping of their government-issued firearms.

“We remind our police officers to ensure that their firearms are always properly secured and never left unattended or accessible to unauthorized individuals, including family members, minors, or any person not authorized to possess firearms,” he said.

He stressed that a police officer has a corresponding duty to ensure its security at all times, adding that firearm accountability is not merely a regulatory requirement but a fundamental obligation of every member of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Cardiño directed unit commanders to reiterate firearm safety measures during regular formations and conduct periodic inspections to ensure compliance with existing policies governing firearm accountability and security.

He stressed that strict adherence to firearm safety protocols is essential in preventing accidents, unauthorized use, theft, and other incidents that may endanger lives and undermine public trust in the police organization.

Cardiño warned that police officers may be held accountable for any loss, theft, unauthorized use, or incident arising from the improper handling or storage of government-issued firearms. “All government-issued firearms remain under the accountability of the personnel to whom they are entrusted,” he said.

Negligence in the safekeeping of issued firearms may result in administrative, criminal, and civil liabilities, depending on the circumstances and outcome of any investigation, he said.

“The firearm entrusted to a police officer is not only a symbol of authority but a solemn responsibility carried out with discipline, professionalism, and utmost regard for public safety,” Cardiño said.