Lawmakers in the Philippines are seeking to introduce new legislation aimed at overhauling national firearm regulations to protect students and secure educational institutions.
This comes following a concerning rise in campus shooting incidents across the Philippines.
According to Inquirer, House Speaker Faustino Dy III and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos III filed House Bill No.11387 to amend Republic Act No.10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The idea came shortly after a tragic attack at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, which marked the third high-profile school shooting in the country in under four months.
Bill’s focus on ownership, management, instruction
The proposed measure introduces stringent requirements for firearm ownership and management, focusing on keeping weapons out of the hands of minors.
Key provisions require applicants to complete mandatory gun safety seminars and specialized safe-storage courses prior to acquiring a license.
Registered gun owners must also complete periodic refresher training with the Philippine National Police to renew their permits.
Under the amendment, firearms must be kept unloaded and stored in secure, locked compartments separate from ammunition whenever they are not in immediate use.
The bill establishes strict safe-storage protocols inside homes and vehicles, explicit rules against leaving weapons accessible, and severe penalties for non-compliance.
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Criminal liability, fines and jail terms
Individuals who knowingly supply firearms to unauthorized persons will also face heavy fines and prison terms, with equal criminal liability if the weapon is subsequently used in a crime.
Moreover, public officials who illegally transfer government-issued firearms will face disqualification from office and multi-million-peso fines.
To complement the legislative changes, lawmakers are collaborating with the Department of Education, local government units, and police forces to conduct nationwide school security audits and address root causes of violence among youth.
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KC Maderia