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Renalyn Ramirez - Philstar.com
August 27, 2026 | 5:53pm
This photo taken on June 18, 2026 shows gun enthusiasts checkin gun exhibits at 26th Tactical, Survival and Arms Expo 2026 at a mall in Mandaluyong City.
The Philippines STAR / Migue De Guzman
MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla told lawmakers on Thursday, August 27, that the Philippine National Police (PNP) should be allowed to inspect the homes of gun owners to check how firearms are being safely stored.
During the budget hearing at the House of Representatives, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief was asked by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Dadah Ismula if they would implement changes to the handling of government-issued firearms.
The question came following school shooting incidents in Tacloban and Zamboanga, which were both committed by minors using lawfully issued guns.
Remulla said the incidents were just two out of 800,000 uniformed personnel who were all given firearms by the government in relation to their duties.
“It is stated in their protocol that they are responsible at all times for their guns, and they are supposed to put it in safekeeping under lock and key if not in their possession,” Remulla explained.
What the agency is proposing, Remulla said, is to allow the police to conduct inspections at the homes of gun owners to check if the legally owned guns are properly stored.
“The IRR (implementing rule and regulations) has to be amended… the PNP will be granted access to all homes of lawfully issued firearms to inspect their procedures in safekeeping,” Remulla said.
Under Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, legal gun owners are required to store their firearms in a vault, locked container or proper storage facility.
Remulla admitted that the proposal might be unacceptable to some as it might appear to be a breach of rights.
“This might upset a few people because it might be interpreted as an impeachment of rights,” Remulla said.
He stressed, however, that owning a gun in the Philippines is not a right enshrined in the Constitution.
“It is a privilege granted by law to those who wish to avail of a firearm. So the PNP must have access, must give notice and inspect where they put their firearms and how they safekeep it,” Remulla added.
