Remulla pushes non-bailable offense, 20-year jail term for loose firearms Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla is pushing for illegal possession of loose firearms to be made a non-bailable offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison, as the government moves to strengthen the country’s firearms law following the recent school shooting in Zamboanga City. In a media interview, Remulla said stronger penalties are necessary to deter the illegal possession and use of firearms. “Non-bailable and then 20 years in prison,” he said when asked what amendments he wants introduced in the law. The DILG chief said 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. “Now, when you catch someone with loose firearms, it’s bailable. Lalabas ka lang. You have a record pero bailable, then you go to a hearing,” he said. Remulla said congressional leaders are already working on proposed amendments to strengthen the country’s firearms law, with action on the measure being expedited. “I think it will be done by January. They’re gonna rush it,” he said. He stressed that stronger penalties could have a broader impact on gun-related criminality. “If we do that, we can solve so many crimes,” Remulla said. At the same time, Remulla called for greater accountability among licensed firearm owners, stressing that the privilege of owning a firearm comes with the responsibility to keep it properly secured and inaccessible to unauthorized persons. “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,” he added. “It is a privilege, not a right.” The call comes in the wake of the Zamboanga City school shooting, where a minor gained access to legally owned firearms that were reportedly left inside a vehicle. Remulla said the incident underscores the need to review and strictly enforce firearm policies, particularly those involving uniformed personnel entrusted with government-issued weapons. “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. The DILG has emphasized that preventing firearms from falling into unauthorized hands requires both stronger laws against loose firearms and greater responsibility from legitimate gun owners in securing their weapons.

DILG: Close to 11 million Filipinos benefit from open spaces, active mobility under Green Green Green Program Close to 11 million Filipinos are benefiting from public infrastructure projects funded under the Local Government Support Fund–Green Green Green Program (LGSF-GGG), as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) continues to support local governments in building greener, safer, and more people-centered communities. The GGG Program provides funding support to beneficiary local government units (LGUs) for the development and improvement of public open spaces and active mobility infrastructure, including public parks, bicycle lanes, pedestrian walkways, and sports facilities. The program directly addresses gaps in urban development, particularly the lack of accessible green and public spaces at the local level, while ensuring that projects adhere to prescribed design concepts and environmental principles. From 2024 to 2025, the LGSF-GGG received a total allocation of P1.755 billion. A total of 135 LGU projects are currently enrolled in SubayBAYAN, covering the construction, rehabilitation, repair, and improvement of various public spaces and facilities nationwide. The DILG regularly monitors the implementation of these projects and their impact on local communities. In Muntinlupa City, the Bayanan Lakeshore Public Park was developed as a comfortable, safe, and accessible public space. The improvement has drawn positive feedback from residents, with one netizen saying, “Thank you for improving community spaces in Muntinlupa!” In Navotas City, the Navotas Green Zone Park in Barangay NBBN forms part of the city’s planned development of green spaces. Mayor John Rey Tiangco highlighted its benefits both to residents and the environment. “It is not just a place where you can relax, unwind, and take a walk. It also helps the environment,” Tiangco said. Meanwhile, residents of Pavia, Iloilo welcomed the improvement of the Municipal Public Plaza, noting how the project has made the area more attractive to residents and visitors. “Maipapakita namin sa ibang municipality at mga tourists na pumupunta dito na: ‘This is Pavia now. It is beautiful. It’s Instagrammable,’” a resident said. The DILG said investments in green and accessible public spaces also help LGUs create more pedestrian-friendly communities, support active mobility, provide strategic spaces that can complement local economic activity, and improve the overall quality of life of residents. Through the GGG Program, the Department remains committed to supporting LGUs in developing free, accessible, ecological, and people-centered public spaces, recognizing that sustainable local development must improve communities while protecting the environment.

Remulla in Zambo City to oversee AdZU shooting probe; cites online game’s influence on shooter Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday personally went to Zamboanga City to oversee the investigation into the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) shooting incident, saying initial findings indicate that the Grade 8 shooter acted alone and was influenced by an online game. “As far as we can determine, he acted alone in the sense that he planned, executed and willfully did everything on his own. There was no conspiracy behind it; there was no active group that planned it with him; there was no family influence that made him do the unthinkable,” Remulla said during a press conference at AdZU. Remulla, together with Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., visited Zamboanga City to personally assess the progress of the investigation and the security situation following the school shooting. The DILG chief said investigators are also looking at the shooter’s exposure to online games and their possible influence on his behavior. He specifically identified Roblox as among the games played by the shooter and said he would push for its banning in the country. “This is a case of undue influence of certain games on the Internet. This is a case of desensitization of violence for children because of the games they play on the Internet… The shooter is a victim of undue influence,” he said. Remulla also renewed his call for stronger accountability in gun ownership. He said he is set to meet with the leadership of the House of Representatives next week to discuss possible measures to strengthen existing policies, particularly on the responsibility and culpability of firearm owners whose guns end up in the hands of unauthorized persons. At the same time, he appealed to parents to take a more active role in monitoring their children’s online activities, including their exposure to social media and online games. “Hinihiling ko po sa mga magulang na kasama rin po kayo dito. I-check po ninyo kung ano ang pinapanood nila, kung ano ang nilalaro nila,” Remulla said. On school security, Remulla said AdZU’s existing protocols were at par with industry standards, but the shooter was able to exploit a vulnerability in the school’s physical structure. He said the incident underscores the need to continuously review security measures and address possible gaps. Remulla also asked the school administration to resume classes while continuing grief counseling and psychosocial support for the AdZU community. “People in Zamboanga must realize that life must go back to normal, though the pain lingers in the community and the families involved,” he said. He assured residents that Zamboanga City remains safe, as the PNP continues to intensify police visibility around public and private schools nationwide following the incident. Remulla likewise stressed that the shooting should not be framed as an issue of cultural or religious differences, noting that the families of the victim and the shooter knew each other within the AdZU community.

DILG to ask Congress to tighten gun laws, curb loose firearms after Zamboanga school shooting Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday called on Congress to revisit existing gun laws and impose greater accountability on firearm owners as the government moves to address the proliferation of loose firearms following the recent school shooting in Zamboanga City. The call came after the shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City, the second incident in two months wherein a government-issued licensed firearm ended up in the hands of a student, a minor considered a child in conflict with the law (CICL). Speaking at a press conference at Camp Crame, Quezon City, Remulla said 98% of crimes involving firearms are committed using loose firearms. He noted that illegal possession of loose firearms remains a bailable offense under Republic Act No. 11766 in a country with more than 2.87 million licensed gun owners. “All gun owners, whether private or public, should have punitive damages when somebody else uses his or her gun. Dapat may accessory penalty siya,” Remulla said. “Kailangan natin ng whole-of-nation approach, kailangan magtulungan ang PNP (Philippine National Police), Congress, at mga gun owners. Nanawagan tayo sa Congress na baguhin na at i-repeal na ang batas at gawing non-bailable offense ang krimen ng loose firearms,” he added. Citing initial reports from the PNP, Remulla said Ateneo de Zamboanga has 25 security guards on 24-hour duty shifts, with 15 deployed during the day and 10 in the evening. Under long-standing security protocols, security guards check the bags of students entering the school on foot, while students riding in vehicles are allowed to enter the school premises without undergoing the same checks. “I am filled with compassion for everyone, not only for the parents of the students shot but also for Ateneo. Walang kasalanan ang school at ang security guards; ang sistema ng security ang kailangang i-review,” Remulla said. Dispelling misinformation surrounding the incident, Remulla said the suspect was a Grade 9 top 1 student, had no history of bullying, and was not reported to have undergone shooting training. He was a Roblox player who livestreamed on a site from a first-person shooter point of view (POV) as he carried out the crime in a span of just three minutes. Reported victims included a Grade 10 student who died and two other students who were injured, while several students experienced panic attacks, anxiety, and minor injuries during the incident. The suspect shot himself and died after the incident. “Once again, it involves students. Once again, it involves firearms. Once again, we are confronted with the question of what more we can do as a country,” Remulla added. The DILG chief underscored the need to reinforce gun-safety training and ensure that responsible firearm ownership does not end with obtaining a license. He said the government’s responsibility is ultimately to protect the public and preserve the social contract that keeps communities safe. Meanwhile, PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said responding police officers recovered two short firearms: a Glock 22 caliber 40 registered under the Bureau of Customs and a Glock 9mm pistol with inserted magazines. Also recovered at the crime scene were one Roni conversion kit, empty bullets, one mobile phone, and one black headgear. PNP data further revealed that a total of 50 school-related incidents involving minors were reported from June 16 to August 18, 2026 alone. Of these, four were stabbing incidents, two were shootings, four involved illegal possession of firearms, 12 were shooting threats, 26 were bomb threats, and two were death threats.

DILG, DepEd to ink agreement boosting security inside schools Following the tragic shooting incident in Zamboanga City, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Education (DepEd) are set to sign an agreement to strengthen security measures inside school premises. “Mayroon na kaming memorandum circular (on tightening security protocols in schools) na pipirmahan ng Department of Education,” DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed during a press conference this morning at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. Remulla said the agreement between the DILG and DepEd seeks to strengthen security within school premises through the presence of barangay tanods, who are familiar not only with their respective communities but also with the students themselves. “Ang hinihingi namin ay payagan ang barangay tanod na maglagay ng station sa loob ng mga eskuwelahan,” he underscored. “Kasi ang mga barangay tanod kilala nila ‘yang mga batang ‘yan, puwede nilang kausapin, puwede nilang sitahin, so ‘yun ang hinihiling namin na further security step na pumasok doon,” he explained. Remulla said the PNP’s presence is currently limited to school perimeters, emphasizing the need to strengthen security within school grounds, where incidents involving students may also take place. In an earlier interview, Remulla said DepEd and the PNP had signed a memorandum circular directing police officers to monitor and implement security measures outside public schools nationwide. The DILG chief further said the agreement with DepEd will likewise address school bullying, citing practices implemented at Ateneo de Manila University as a possible benchmark for measures that may be adopted in other schools. “Incidents of bullying should not be taken lightly… There are steps that we can take together para mangyari iyan, pero may hakbang na kami ng DepEd para dyan,” he emphasized. The DILG remains committed to investigating the recent tragic shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University as it continues to work with DepEd, the PNP, local government units, and other relevant government agencies and private institutions to strengthen measures aimed at protecting students from crime, violence, bullying, and other threats to their safety.

DILG vows stronger Unified 911 system, addresses gaps after Askri incident The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) vowed to address any gaps identified in the emergency response involving 71-year-old Omar Askri, who suffered a stroke on August 15 and later passed away, as the Department continues its investigation into the incident. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, DILG Undersecretary for Public Safety Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said the Department is committed to establishing the complete facts, determining accountability where warranted, and addressing weaknesses identified in the Unified 911 system and its emergency-response network. “We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the Askri family. We will continue the investigation, establish the complete facts, correct whatever needs to be corrected, and translate the lessons from this incident into concrete improvements,” Mabilog said. Mabilog, together with DILG Undersecretary for Public Affairs and Communications Rolando C. Puno and Emergency 911 National Office Executive Director Francis D. Fajardo, personally went to Barangay Maharlika on Monday in an effort to meet with the Askri family. The DILG said it will continue reaching out to the family and directly update them on the results of the investigation. Based on initial findings, the 911 system recorded a hold time of approximately three minutes and 23 seconds before the call of Mr. Basti Askri, the patient’s nephew, reached the assigned 911 call taker. Within one minute and 25 seconds, a three-way conference call was initiated among the caller, the 911 call taker, and the Taguig Command Center (TCC). The TCC acknowledged the emergency and committed to dispatch a response vehicle. Initial findings also indicate that the responding team encountered difficulty locating the patient’s exact location and was unable to establish contact with the caller for additional directions. Mabilog stressed, however, that the exact dispatch time, attempted calls, movement of the response vehicle, and actual arrival time remain subject to verification as the investigation continues. “If any of our personnel is found na meron silang kakulangan o kasalanan sa incident na ito, definitely they will face legal action from the Department,” Mabilog assured. “The system works, but every major public safety system must continuously improve,” he said. “We acknowledge the gaps this incident may have revealed, we take responsibility for addressing them, and we will use this experience to build a stronger, faster, better coordinated, and better equipped emergency-response network.” With Unified 911 currently handling an average of approximately 70,000 calls daily, Mabilog said the Department is also looking into increasing the number of call takers to strengthen capacity and reduce queue times. He stressed that the volume of calls does not diminish the Department’s responsibility to continuously improve the system and ensure that emergency calls are handled as quickly and efficiently as possible. “Every gap we identify will make Unified 911 stronger, faster, and better. In an emergency, trust 911,” Mabilog said. The DILG assured the public that the findings of the investigation will guide the necessary corrective measures to strengthen coordination, response capacity, and accountability across the Unified 911 emergency-response network. 

Remulla: Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting suspect livestreamed violent act Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday confirmed that the Grade 9 student involved in the shooting incident at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University-Junior High School livestreamed the incident on social media on the morning of August 18, 2026. In a phone interview, Remulla said the child in conflict with the law (CICL) died after jumping from the fifth floor of the school building following the shooting incident, which also resulted in the death of a Grade 10 student. Remulla said the Philippine National Police (PNP) is conducting a thorough investigation to establish the motive behind the shooting, determine the ownership and source of the firearm used, and find out how it was brought inside the school campus. The PNP is also looking into whether there were security or procedural lapses that may have contributed to the incident. The DILG expressed its deepest condolences to the families of those who died and assured the school community that authorities are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure the safety and well-being of students and school personnel. The Department also urged the public to exercise restraint in sharing photos, videos, and unverified information surrounding the incident, particularly content involving the minors. In a statement, PNP Chief PGen Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said the police organization will provide verified information as appropriate and appealed to the public to refrain from sharing unconfirmed reports, photos, or videos that may cause unnecessary concern.

DILG urges LGUs to ramp up preventive steps vs flooding, landslides; over 17K barangays at risk The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed concerned local government units (LGUs) to intensify preventive measures against flooding, flash floods, and rain-induced landslides amid the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and a low-pressure area (LPA). The directive comes as the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau reported that more than 17,000 barangays have moderate to very high susceptibility to flooding and rain-induced landslides from August 17 to 19, 2026. According to DOST-PAGASA, an LPA currently inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility has the potential to develop into a tropical depression. Combined with the prevailing southwest monsoon, it is expected to bring heavy rains that may inundate communities and trigger flash floods and landslides. In an advisory, the DILG instructed LGUs to conduct pre-disaster risk assessments covering floods, flash floods, rain-induced landslides, debris flow, strong winds, and other hydrometeorological hazards. LGUs were also directed to carry out preemptive or mandatory evacuations in communities repeatedly affected by floods and landslides when conditions warrant, while ensuring that health facilities and evacuation centers have dependable power supplies and functioning generator systems. Using their respective hydrometeorological hazard maps, LGUs must identify and prioritize communities in flood- and landslide-prone areas and preposition the personnel and equipment needed to clear road obstructions and keep routes open for emergency response and relief operations. The DILG likewise directed local disaster risk reduction and management personnel to closely monitor river levels in moderately vulnerable areas. In high-risk zones, LGUs must implement preemptive evacuation protocols, particularly for households near active river systems, keep waterways clear, and strictly restrict access to identified flash flood-prone areas. In areas with low landslide susceptibility, residents should remain alert for warning signs such as sudden changes in water flow or clear water turning muddy. In moderately susceptible areas, LGUs should consider preemptive evacuation, particularly for residents living at or near the foot of gullies and creeks. Residents in highly susceptible areas are strongly encouraged to evacuate to safer ground. Those from communities where landslides have already occurred must not be allowed to return until authorities have assessed the area and declared it safe. The DILG stressed that LGUs must act before conditions worsen, particularly in communities already identified as vulnerable to flooding and landslides, to protect lives and ensure that emergency response operations can be carried out without delay.

Youth Take Center Stage in DILG VI’s Disaster Resilience Efforts WESTERN VISAYAS — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI joined the celebration of the 38th National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM), underscoring the importance of collective action and preparedness in building safer and more resilient communities across Western Visayas. With this year’s theme, “Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas,” the celebration featured the Regional Poster-Making Contest for Elementary Learners, providing young participants with a platform to express their understanding of disaster preparedness and resilience through art. DILG VI Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, CESO III, in his capacity as Vice-Chairperson for Disaster Preparedness of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) VI, reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience among local government units (LGUs) throughout the region. Ingeniero emphasized that disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of every sector of society. “Ang paghahanda sa sakuna ay hindi lamang tungkulin ng pamahalaan. Every family, every school, every barangay, and every young Filipino has a role to play in creating safer and more resilient communities.” He also commended the young participants for using their creativity to promote disaster awareness, noting that their artworks serve as powerful reminders of the importance of preparedness and the role of knowledge in saving lives. The Regional Director further highlighted that empowering children to understand and communicate the importance of disaster preparedness helps nurture a culture of resilience that can extend from schools to families and communities. As Western Visayas observes this year’s NDRM celebration, DILG VI continues to encourage local government units and communities to strengthen disaster preparedness, promote risk awareness, and foster a culture where proactive action becomes an integral part of everyday life. The celebration served as a reminder that resilience is built through collective effort—and that by preparing today, communities can create a safer and more secure tomorrow for every Filipino.

DILG VI Knowledge Management Serye Highlights Innovative LGU Projects University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) student interns under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI Student Internship Program (SIP) successfully conducted a Knowledge Management Serye (KM Serye) session featuring local government innovations supported by the Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLGIF). Dubbed “Seal the Deal: Understanding the Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLGIF),” the session highlighted the best practices and experiences of local government units (LGUs) that successfully implemented projects through the SGLGIF. The KM Serye featured two LGUs recognized as recipients of the 2022 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), showcasing how the Incentive Fund has enabled local governments to develop innovative and impactful initiatives that address the needs of their communities. DILG Region VI Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, CESO III, emphasized that the SGLGIF goes beyond providing financial support, describing it as an investment in the sustained development of local governments and the communities. One of the featured initiatives was presented by the Provincial Government of Aklan, represented by the Social Welfare Officer and Center Head of the Aklan Comprehensive Center for Women and their Children, Kabaeaka Jenelyn Nama Itulid. She shared the development and implementation of the Kabaeaka Center, a training and development facility designed to support youth and children with special needs. The session also featured the Municipality of Pavia, Iloilo through May Anne Kate Caluyo, one of the key contributors to the development and implementation of the Arangka Permit Mobile App. The application, known as the Pavia App: Arangka Permit Mobile Business Application, streamlines the application and payment processes for business permits through the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), making government services more accessible and efficient for local business owners. Through the KM Serye, the UPV student interns provided a platform for sharing practical experiences, innovative solutions, and governance practices that other LGUs may learn from and potentially replicate. The activity underscored the importance of knowledge sharing in promoting responsive, innovative, and sustainable local governance, while demonstrating how the SGLGIF can translate good governance into concrete programs and services that create meaningful benefits for communities.