Angara Urges Stricter Household Gun Safety to Prevent Youth Access

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara has urged for responsible gun ownership and strict safety measures at home, citing the growing proliferation of firearms among learners. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach, stating, “The safety of our learners does not end at the doors of schools – it begins at home.” The call comes in the wake of recent incidents involving minors and firearms. Last Monday, a nine-year-old child was accidentally hit by a .38 caliber pistol while playing with a 13-year-old companion. This incident, occurring just six weeks after a fatal school shooting in Tacloban involving minors, has heightened concerns about child safety. Following the Tacloban shooting, the Department of Education (DepEd) has implemented stricter security measures in public schools. These include the deployment of handheld metal detectors, enhanced visitor management systems, regular bag inspections, expanded closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage, and increased police presence. DepEd has also enforced a zero-tolerance policy against firearms, ammunition, bladed weapons, and explosives under its Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE). Despite these in-school security protocols, school-related violence continues to occur nationwide. Last Friday, a Grade 9 student was stabbed by a 14-year-old classmate at Las Piñas National High School following an altercation over P10 change. “We cannot protect our youth unless we work together as one community,” Mr. Angara stated, urging the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies to conduct stricter background checks on firearm owners, regularly inspect licensed firearm storage, and take firm action against illegal firearms. The aim is to prevent minors from accessing lethal weapons. Parents and guardians were also asked to provide proactive gun safety education, teaching children the extreme dangers of firearms and reminding them to report any visible weapon to an adult immediately. “Responsible firearm storage is not only a matter of complying with the law; it is also a moral responsibility to prevent life-changing tragedies,” Mr. Angara concluded. — Almira Louise S. Martinez