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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Stricter gun storage rules sought after Zamboanga school shooting

Stricter gun storage rules sought after Zamboanga school shooting

Published Aug 21, 2026 09:53 am

At A Glance

  • The senator said the incident brings to light the need for clear storage requirements and proper inspection by the Philippine National Police (PNP) before the issuance of a License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF), to ensure that every gun owner has a secure and appropriate firearm storage system.


Senator Raffy Tulfo on Friday, August 21 called for stricter rules on firearm storage following the shooting incident at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University where two students, including the shooter, died.

Tulfo made the call after the Bureau of Customs (BoC) confirmed that one of the two firearms used in the incident was a government-issued firearm belonging to the shooter’s father, who is a Customs police officer.

Tulfo said that upon hearing of the incident, he sent an official letter to Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara seeking a more detailed report on the incident.

Tulfo said his office is ready to assist in addressing the needs of the victims’ families.

The senator said the incident brings to light the need for clear storage requirements and proper inspection by the Philippine National Police (PNP) before the issuance of a License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF), to ensure that every gun owner has a secure and appropriate firearm storage system.

“We need to revisit existing laws on gun ownership. Before the PNP issues an LTOPF, they should first inspect whether the licensed owner has a secure place to store the firearm,” Tulfo said.

“It should not be easily accessible to just anyone, including the licensed owner's children,” he added.

Moreover, Tulfo said stiffer penalties, including imprisonment, for licensed firearm owners whose guns are used by another person for an unlawful or improper purpose should be in place.

“If you are the licensed owner and your firearm is used improperly, you should be charged and imprisoned,” he said.

Recently, Tulfo filed Senate Bill No. 2371 seeking to amend Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.

The measure seeks to establish Regional Rehabilitation Centers nationwide for children in conflict with the law (CICL) who are involved in serious offenses.

Under the proposal, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) would be mandated to establish and operate Regional Rehabilitation Centers for Youth in every region, including separate and secure facilities for children aged 12 to 15 who have committed heinous crimes.

Tulfo also said he supports additional measures to monitor and regulate children’s access to gadgets, social media, and online games.

Likewise, the senator urged the DepEd to explore programs that would provide parents and teachers with proper guidance in identifying and preventing violent behavior among students—an important issue that should also be given greater attention within Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs).

Earlier, during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Tulfo urged the DepEd to immediately implement measures to address the escalating violence in schools, noting that from June to August 2026, nine (9) consecutive incidents of school violence have been reportedly recorded.

He also pushed for the provision of handheld metal detectors to security guards in public schools to prevent firearms and other contraband from being brought inside school premises.

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Raffy Tulfo gun ownership Zamboanga school shooting
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