Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla is pushing for tougher penalties for the illegal possession of loose firearms, including making the offense non-bailable and punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Remulla made the proposal Tuesday as the government moves to strengthen the country’s firearms regulations following the recent school shooting in Zamboanga City.
In a statement, Remulla called on lawmakers to amend Republic Act No. 11766, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, saying the current penalties do not provide enough deterrence against the illegal possession and use of firearms.
Remulla argued that individuals caught possessing loose firearms can currently post bail while their cases are pending, allowing them to remain out of detention while facing criminal charges.
“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,” Remulla said.
He proposed that illegal possession of loose firearms be made a non-bailable offense, with violators facing a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.
Remulla also pointed to the prevalence of loose firearms in gun-related crimes, saying stronger penalties could help prevent firearms from being used in criminal activities.
He said congressional leaders are already working on proposed amendments to the firearms law and that efforts to pass the measure are being expedited.
“I think it will be done by January. They’re gonna rush it. If we do that, we can solve so many crimes,” Remulla said.
Aside from tougher penalties for illegal possession, Remulla emphasized that licensed firearm owners must also be held accountable for properly securing their weapons.
He stressed that firearm ownership is a privilege that comes with the responsibility of ensuring that guns do not become accessible to unauthorized individuals.
The proposal comes amid renewed scrutiny of firearm security following the Zamboanga City school shooting, in which a minor reportedly gained access to legally owned firearms that had allegedly been left inside a vehicle.
Remulla said the incident highlights the need to review and strictly enforce existing firearm policies, particularly those concerning uniformed personnel entrusted with government-issued weapons.
The DILG chief maintained that strengthening the law and improving accountability among firearm owners are necessary steps to reduce gun-related crimes and prevent firearms from falling into the hands of unauthorized users.
