ILOILO CITY—With two deadly school shootings in less than two months, Senator Risa Hontiveros is backing calls for stricter gun control.
“I really favor stricter firearms regulation,” Hontiveros told the media while in Iloilo City last August 21.
The lady senator said she supports calls to review and make necessary amendments to Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act after a student shot and killed a fellow student and would eventually kill himself in Zamboanga City last August 18.
Hontiveros reiterated that there was particularly a need to look into existing regulations, especially for law enforcement officers with government-issued firearms.
Both fatal school shootings in Tacloban City and Zamboanga City involved firearms issued to law enforcement officers—a police officer and a Bureau of Customs (BOC) security commander.
“They are supposed to have the knowledge and responsibility in securing their firearms,” Hontiveros pointed out.
Hontiveros said gun-related violence and gun-related incidents could be reduced if the proliferation of firearms is lessened.
On the other hand, prevention of school shootings should have a multi-faceted approach.
Hontiveros said there is no one-quick solution and there are many factors involved that need the cooperation of the whole community.
Meanwhile, Hontiveros assured the other matters would still be discussed as she chairs the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality.