PNP cautions Bicol gun owners on safe firearm handling

By Jordan Kurt Domingo

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Philippine National Police is reminding licensed firearm owners in Bicol to treat gun safety as a continuing responsibility, particularly by ensuring that their firearms are properly handled and securely stored to prevent unauthorized access.

The reminder is part of the PNP Civil Security Group’s nationwide Gun Safety Advocacy Campaign, launched amid recent firearm-related incidents involving minors in school settings that have renewed concerns over children’s access to legally owned firearms.

Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio, Police Regional Office 5 director, said the campaign supports the PNP’s broader efforts to strengthen police operations while promoting accountability among firearm owners and preventing firearms from becoming accessible to unauthorized users.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said lawful ownership carries responsibilities beyond securing the necessary licenses, stressing the importance of proper handling and storage of firearms and preventing them from falling into the hands of unauthorized persons.

“Recent firearm-related incidents involving minors remind us that gun safety cannot be taken for granted,” Nartatez said in a news release. “We are strengthening our advocacy to ensure that legally owned firearms are properly handled, securely stored and kept away from unauthorized persons.”

The campaign, which carries the tagline “Own a gun responsibly. Gun safety is a continuing duty,” promotes responsible firearm ownership, safe handling and secure storage.

The PNP has directed police regional offices and local police units nationwide to intensify public information activities on firearm safety. The CSG is also conducting gun safety seminars and stakeholder engagements to strengthen public awareness.

For firearm owners in Bicol, the campaign serves as a reminder that keeping a firearm legally does not end with obtaining a license. Proper storage and constant vigilance are necessary to prevent unauthorized access, particularly by children and other persons who are not authorized to possess firearms.

Nartatez said prevention remains an important part of addressing firearm-related incidents, emphasizing that public education and community participation can help make responsible ownership and safe handling part of everyday practice.