By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday vowed to strengthen accountability measures among its personnel to prevent children and other unauthorized persons from gaining access to service weapons.
He directed commanders nationwide to remind all police personnel of the proper storage and handling of firearms, particularly while 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 PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
This is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to strengthen public safety and ensure that government personnel exercise responsibility in the handling and safekeeping of firearms.
He also ordered police commanders to conduct firearm-accountability reminders during unit briefings and formations.
School shootings involving firearms issued to government personnel happened recently at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School and San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte.
“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,” PGen. Nartatez said.
PGen. Nartatez said the PNP will also mobilize a sufficient number of personnel and resources for the planned nationwide school safety drills set by the Department of Education on Aug. 25.
“We have been involved in crafting measures to ensure the protection of learners and every learning space. The hard work is not yet done since your PNP will also be there to make sure that these safety measures are properly implemented in every school,” he said.
PGen. Nartatez said the drills will help students, teachers and other school personnel understand what to do when confronted with a security threat. Police units will also use the exercises to test and improve coordination with school authorities and local government officials.
“These drills will intensify coordination mechanisms among the police, school authorities and barangay officials, especially when there are threat situations,” he said.
