Jonvic wants 20 years, no bail for loose guns
MANILA, Philippines — Illegal possession of loose firearms should be a non-bailable offense carrying up to 20 years in prison, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Remulla is urging lawmakers to strengthen the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act following the school shooting in Zamboanga City, wherein a Grade 9 student accessed the guns left in the car of his father.
Remulla said stiffer penalties are necessary to deter illegal possession and use of guns.
Current penalties are failing as suspects can post bail while awaiting trial of cases for unregistered or illegal firearms, Remulla stressed.
“Gun ownership also carries with it gun responsibility. The government should have the right to inspect (licensed gun holders’) homes at any time and to see if the firearms are in safekeeping,” he said.
Remulla said congressional leaders are working on proposed amendments to strengthen the country’s firearms law.
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