PNP to tighten firearm safekeeping rules after Zamboanga shooting

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it would strengthen rules on the handling and safekeeping of firearms to prevent unauthorized access.

The move came after two high school students from Ateneo de Zamboanga University died on Aug. 18 when a Grade 8 student armed with a 9mm Glock pistol shot a fellow student inside Room 404 of the university. The shooter then ran to another floor before turning the gun on himself.

READ: Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting: 2 students dead

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“We remind all our personnel to exercise utmost responsibility in securing their firearms, especially when they are off duty and at home. Firearms must never be left in places where children or unauthorized persons can gain access to them,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said in a press release.

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Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Thursday that the shooter’s father is cooperating with authorities, as the gun used in the incident belonged to him. As a Bureau of Customs (BOC) employee, Remulla said, the father has a permit to carry firearms.

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno on Wednesday noted that the shooter’s father left his firearms in his vehicle, which was used to drop off the shooter at the school.

Nartatez also said he instructed police commanders to conduct firearm-accountability reminders during unit briefings to remind police officers of proper firearm handling, especially when they are off duty.

READ: PNP: 50 school incidents involving youth offenders since June 16

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“Here in the PNP, we will continue to remind our personnel that owning or carrying a firearm comes with a serious responsibility. One moment of negligence can result in the loss of life. We support calls for stricter accountability among gun owners. Responsible storage is non-negotiable,” Nartatez added.

The PNP recently said it recorded at least 50 incidents in schools involving children in conflict with the law from June 16 to Aug. 19. Police said the incidents included 26 alleged bomb threats, 12 alleged shooting threats, four stabbing incidents, four arrests for illegal possession of firearms, two death threats and two shooting incidents. /das