By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
Possession of loose firearms must be a non-bailable offense and must carry a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.
This was pushed by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla as the government moves to strengthen the country’s firearms law following the recent school shooting in Zamboanga City.
In a statement on Tuesday, Remulla said stronger penalties are necessary to deter the illegal possession and use of firearms.
He called on lawmakers to amend Republic Act 11766, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, which is referred to as the “Robin Padilla Law” over claims that the actor-turned-senator was the one who crafted and passed it into law.
While that amendment of the law benefited some people, Sec. Remulla said that was where the problem actually started, as he emphasized that almost all gun-related crimes involved loose firearms.
“The current penalty does not provide a sufficient deterrent because persons caught illegally possessing loose firearms may still post bail while their cases are pending,” said Sec. Remulla.
“Non-bailable and then 20 years in prison. Now, when you catch someone with loose firearms, it’s bailable. You’ll just go out. You have a record, but the case is bailable, then you go to a hearing,” he emphasized.
The DILG chief said the current penalty is not a sufficient deterrent because persons caught illegally possessing loose firearms may still post bail while their cases are pending.
Remulla said congressional leaders are already working on proposed amendments to strengthen the country’s firearms law, with action on the measure being expedited.
He stressed that stronger penalties could have a broader impact on gun-related criminality.
“I think it will be done by January. They’re gonna rush it. If we do that, we can solve so many crimes,” he said.
At the same time, Sec. Remulla called for greater accountability among licensed firearm owners, stressing that the privilege of owning a firearm comes with the responsibility to keep it properly secured and inaccessible to unauthorized persons.
The call comes in the wake of the Zamboanga City school shooting, where a minor gained access to legally owned firearms that were reportedly left inside a vehicle.
Sec. Remulla said the incident underscores the need to review and strictly enforce firearm policies, particularly those involving uniformed personnel entrusted with government-issued weapons.
