Proposal to make possession of loose guns a non-bailable offense meant to make the country safer – Palace
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From the Website of the President and Government Media Offices links: http://president.gov.ph/ Article Links: http://pcoo.gov.ph/news-releases/ http://www.pna.gov.ph/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposal to make possession of loose guns a non-bailable offense meant to make the country safer – Palace
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s proposal to make possession of loose firearms a non-bailable offense is meant to make the country and Filipinos safer, a Palace official said on Wednesday.
During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro assured the public that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would surely support measures that strengthen public safety and protect Filipinos.
“Kung anuman ang ikagaganda ng ating bansa at sa interes ng ating mga kababayan, hindi po iyan hahadlangan ng ating Pangulo,” she said.
Castro said the administration considers Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s proposal a constructive step toward strengthening public safety.
“Kung ito (Remulla’s proposal) ay gagawing batas, magsisimula ito muna sa Kongreso. Although ito ay naging magandang suggestion ni Secretary Jonvic Remulla. Ito naman din po ay para sa mas protektadong bansa at mas protektadong mga kababayan natin,” Castro said.
Remulla is pushing for the amendment of Republic Act 11766, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, to make the illegal possession of loose firearms a non-bailable offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison following the recent school shooting in Zamboanga City.
The DILG chief viewed stronger penalties as a greater deterrent against the illegal possession and use of firearms.
While recognizing the proposal as a potential measure to enhance public safety, Castro said the Palace would need to review the versions of the bill to be filed in Congress before President Marcos takes a position on the measure.
Remulla said that many gun-related crimes involve loose firearms and argued that the current penalties may not provide sufficient deterrence because suspects can post bail while their cases are pending.
The DILG chief also called for greater accountability among licensed firearm owners, emphasizing that firearm ownership comes with the responsibility to properly secure weapons and prevent unauthorized access.
Castro also distinguished loose firearms from legally owned weapons, emphasizing that licensed firearm owners have a responsibility to properly secure their firearms and prevent unauthorized access.
“Kung ang tao naman ay maingat talaga na humawak ng kanyang mga baril, hindi maaaring magkaroon ng negligence na nasasapit sa ganitong mga pagkakataon o sitwasyon,” she said.
The Zamboanga City incident involved a minor reportedly gaining access to legally owned firearms left inside a vehicle. | PND
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