DILG Pushes Stricter Gun Penalties After Deadly School Attacks

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla is pushing for tougher penalties against individuals found in possession of loose firearms, including prison terms of up to 20 years and making the offense non-bailable, following two recent school shootings involving minors.

Remulla said stronger laws are needed to discourage the illegal possession and use of firearms, particularly as recent incidents have raised concerns over how government-issued weapons ended up in the hands of young people.

“If we do that, we can solve so many crimes,” he said.

Under the current system, Remulla noted that cases involving the illegal possession of loose firearms remain bailable, allowing accused individuals to seek temporary release while their cases are pending.

“Now, when you catch someone with loose firearms, it’s bailable. You’re released. You just have a record but it’s bailable, then you go to a hearing,” Remulla said in a mix of Tagalog and English.

The DILG chief said lawmakers are working on proposed amendments to the country’s firearms law, with the target of completing the legislative changes by January 2027.

The proposal comes in the wake of two deadly shootings at schools in June and August, both of which involved minors and firearms reportedly issued to government personnel.

On August 18, a shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City left two students dead, including the Grade 9 student who carried out the attack.

Authorities said the firearm used in the incident was a Glock 22 issued by the Bureau of Customs to the suspect’s father, who is a Customs police official.

The Zamboanga shooting followed an earlier attack at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22, where three students were killed and 20 others were injured.

The alleged shooters in the Tacloban case were aged 14 and 15 and were also students at the school. One of the minors allegedly used a firearm belonging to his aunt, who is a police officer.

The incidents have renewed calls for stricter monitoring of firearms issued to government personnel and greater responsibility among licensed gun owners.

Remulla said firearm ownership should come with an obligation to ensure that weapons are properly secured and kept away from unauthorized persons, particularly minors.

“Gun ownership also carries with it gun responsibility. The government should have the right to inspect their homes at any time and to see if the guns are in safekeeping at any time,” he said.

“It is a privilege granted in the Philippines. It is a privilege, not a right,” he added.

He also called on law enforcement agencies and other government offices with armed personnel to review existing policies on firearm safekeeping and accountability.

The DILG secretary said the recent shootings demonstrate the serious consequences that can result when firearms are improperly stored or accessed by people not authorized to possess them.

“We have to be strict with all our policies with uniformed personnel and let them realize the gravity of the situation that’s happening,” he said.

Remulla’s proposed reforms would form part of a broader effort to strengthen controls over firearms and address crimes involving illegally possessed weapons.

The DILG is expected to coordinate with lawmakers and other concerned government agencies as discussions continue on possible amendments to existing firearms regulations.

The proposed changes are also expected to place renewed attention on the responsibilities of firearm owners, particularly members of uniformed services who are issued government weapons.

For Remulla, stricter penalties and stronger enforcement could serve as both a deterrent against the illegal possession of firearms and a preventive measure against future crimes involving unsecured guns.