Raffy Tulfo seeks gun storage checks before issuing firearm licenses

MANILA, Philippines —  As part of his call for stricter gun ownership rules, Sen. Raffy Tulfo is pushing for the mandatory checking of gun owners’ storage facilities before the issuance of a license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF).

According to Tulfo, “We need to revisit existing laws on gun ownership.” 

“Dapat bago mag-issue ng LTOPF ang [Philippine National Police] ay ma-inspect muna nila kung ang licensed owner ay mayroong secured na lugar na mapaglalagyan ng baril niya,” he said in a press release.

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(Before issuing an LTOPF, the [Philippine National Police] should first inspect if the licensed owner has a secure location for storing his firearm.)

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Tulfo made the call on Friday following the Aug. 18 fatal school shooting in Zamboanga where a student used a government-issued firearm belonging to the suspect’s father, a Customs police officer.

For Tulfo, one of the issues that must be addressed is the lack of clear and stringent guidelines under existing laws on firearm storage, which may allow others to easily access the firearms.

Moreover, the senator also joined the call in pushing for stiffer penalties for firearm owners whose guns were unlawfully or improperly used by another person.

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“Kapag ikaw ang licensed owner at nagamit ang baril mo sa hindi tamang paraan, dapat kasuhan ka, makulong,” Tulfo stressed.

(If you are a licensed owner and your gun was used in an improper manner, you should be held criminally liable, and jailed.)

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Tulfo likewise urged authorities to strengthen measures addressing children’s access to gadgets, social media, and online games.

He called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to implement stronger security measures in schools including the use of handheld metal detectors for inspection.

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The senator also asked the DepEd to explore programs that would provide parents and teachers with proper guidance in identifying and preventing violent behavior among students in Parent-Teacher Associations. /mr