Remulla Calls for Greater Accountability, Stronger Criminal Liability for Negligent Gun Owners
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has called for a more comprehensive law that would hold negligent firearm owners criminally liable when their registered firearms are used in the commission of a crime.
Speaking during a press conference at Camp Crame, Remulla said there is no law that explicitly imposes criminal liability on firearm owners whose weapons are used by others to commit crimes.
“People have to be responsible gun owners or gun operators. People have to take accountability. Sa nangyari dito, wala kaming ma-charge dahil bitin ang batas.” he said.
The DILG chief explained that the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, currently serves as the basis for the charges that may be filed against firearm owners.
“There is an infirmity in the law. Walang concomitant responsibility ang gun owner kung gagamitin ng iba ang baril nila para pumatay ng tao, where, I believe, ikaw ang sole responsible person basta nakalisensya sa’yo yung baril,” he said.
In the recent school shooting in Tacloban City, Remulla said the police officer whose service firearm was used in the incident will face charges of malversation, as well as an administrative case to be investigated by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).
Meanwhile, he noted that private firearm owners are generally subject only to civil liability, similar to the case of the security agency where the other firearm used in the incident was registered.
Remulla emphasized that responsible gun ownership requires firearms to be securely stored under lock and key and kept out of the reach of unauthorized persons.
“Kung ikaw ay mahilig sa baril, kung ikaw ay may service firearm, dapat itago ‘yan. Dapat walang nakahawak na iba.”
He urged lawmakers to strengthen the country’s firearms laws to impose greater accountability on licensed gun owners.
“I recommend to Congress that they rewrite the IRR of gun ownership and responsibility in owning firearms and put criminal aspects into the illegal use or illegal transfer of their guns,” he said.
The DILG chief likewise urged advocates of responsible gun ownership to work with lawmakers in pushing for legal reforms that would impose stricter penalties and help prevent similar crimes from happening in public spaces and educational institutions.