Nartatez orders stricter gun ownership measures, aggressive drive vs loose guns
Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered all police units to intensify operations against loose and illegal firearms and strengthen the enforcement of responsible gun ownership following recent firearm-related incidents involving children.
He said personnel of the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) were already tasked to strengthen monitoring of compliance with responsible firearm ownership requirements and safe firearm storage under existing laws and regulations.
“This will come with aggressive operations against loose and illegal firearms in their respective areas,” said Nartatez.
Nartatez’s latest directive was issued after the Department of Education (DepEd) called on the police organization and other law enforcement agencies to strengthen the enforcement of responsible gun ownership following recent firearm-related incidents involving learners.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara cited the Aug. 3 accidental shooting of a nine-year-old in General Santos City after a .38 caliber pistol discharged while the child was playing with a 13-year-old companion inside a home.
He also cited the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City on June 22 and other incidents in which students brought firearms to school.
Nartatez said the PNP will continue working with DepEd, local government units, and other stakeholders to promote responsible firearm ownership, strengthen enforcement efforts, and help ensure that firearms do not fall into the hands of minors.
“Owning a firearm is a privilege that comes with great responsibility. Every licensed firearm owner must ensure that firearms are securely stored and never accessible to children. One act of negligence can lead to irreversible consequences,” he said.