Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri has expressed support for responsible civilian gun ownership, saying licensed firearms can serve as both a deterrent against crime and a means of defending the country's sovereignty in the event of foreign aggression.
Speaking during the 32nd Defense and Sporting Arms Show at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Zubiri emphasized that responsible firearm ownership helps discourage criminal activity, noting that most crimes committed with guns in the Philippines involve unlicensed firearms.
According to Zubiri, licensed firearms account for an extremely small percentage of crimes committed in the country, stressing that illegal weapons remain the primary source of gun-related offenses.
He also cited the recent Tacloban shooting, explaining that while the firearms used in the incident were licensed, they were reportedly taken by the young suspects from their lawful owners. Zubiri said this highlights the importance of properly securing firearms, adding that gun owners should keep their weapons in a safety deposit or other secure storage to prevent unauthorized access.
Beyond public safety, Zubiri said responsible civilian gun ownership could play a crucial role in defending the nation should a foreign power attempt to invade or occupy Philippine territory. He pointed to the country's history of resistance during the Spanish, American, and Japanese occupations, when Filipinos fought despite having limited weapons.
"Pagdating ng panahon na meron po tayong kapitbahay na manggugulo sa atin dito sa ating bansa, katulad na nangyari noon, panahon ng Katsila, panahon ng Amerikano, panahon ng Japon, ay handa po tayo dumipensa sa ating mga sarili," Zubiri said.
"Hindi lamang arnis ang dala-dala natin, hindi lamang bolo, hindi lamang itak o karate, taekwondo, meron po tayong baril na makadepensa sa ating bansa, sa ating soberenya. Very important deterrent po 'yan. That is a deterrent," he added.
Zubiri maintained that responsible gun ownership, coupled with proper firearm safekeeping and strict compliance with licensing regulations, can contribute to both public safety and national security.
