Marcos open to stiffer penalties for possession of unlicensed firearms

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is open to measures that would impose stricter penalties for illegal possession of loose firearms, Palace press officer Claire Castro said on Wednesday.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has pushed for making illegal possession of loose firearms a non-bailable offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison, following a school shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

READ: Gun allegedly used in Zamboanga school shooting issued by Customs

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Castro, during a briefing, said Marcos would need to review proposed provision before making a statement on the matter.

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But she also said the President is open to suggestions that would help ensure public safety concerning loose firearms.

“Sa totoo lang kung ang tao naman ay maingat talaga na humawak ng kanyang mga baril, hindi maaaring magkaroon ng negligence nasasapit sa ganitong mga klaseng pagkatataon o sitwasyon. Pero siyempre iba iyong usapin-usapan, usapin pagdating sa loose firearms, iba, iba iyon, kasi hindi iyon lisensiyado,” Castro said.

(To be honest, if people are truly careful and responsible in handling their firearms, incidents resulting from negligence should not occur. But of course, the issue of loose firearms is a different matter because those firearms are not licensed.)

“Kung ano po talaga ang maaring maging magandang batas, para ito po ay mas mabigyan ng malaking parusa, ang Pangulo po ay open. Pero muli, ang sasabihin ko ay kailangan mabasa muna kung anuman iyong magiging probisyon patungkol po dito, para mas makapagbigay siya ng intelehenteng komento,” she continued.

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(Whatever law may be appropriate to impose stronger penalties, the President is open to it. But again, I would say that he needs to first review whatever provisions are being proposed so that he can provide a more informed comment.)

READ: DILG chief wants 20-year jail terms for loose firearms charges

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In an interview on Tuesday, Remulla said there is a need for stronger penalties to deter the illegal possession and use of firearms.

He noted that under the current law, persons caught illegally possessing loose firearms may still post bail while their cases are pending.

“Now, when you catch someone with loose firearms, it’s bailable. Lalabas ka lang. You have a record pero bailable, then you go to a hearing,” he said.

Under the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, ordinary citizens may own and possess firearms provided they meet certain qualifications, including being a Filipino citizen, being at least 21 years old at the time of application, and having an occupation, business, or filed income tax return as proof of income.

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Applicants must also obtain a neuropsychiatric clearance from the Philippine National Police Health Service or a Department of Health-accredited hospital, as well as a drug test clearance, among other requirements. /gsg