Philippine National Police (PNP) chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced Wednesday that they will include additional measures for gun safety for those applying and seeking renewal of firearms permits.

Nartatez said the measures will focus on the safekeeping of firearms and ammunition, and he is looking into a comprehensive gun safety seminar as a requirement not only in applying for the License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and firearms registration but also in the renewal process.

“The gun-related incidents in schools and communities, particularly involving minors, all boil down to the issue of accessibility to firearms. This is where the intervention should also focus on and this is what we in the PNP will address,” Nartatez said.

The PNP, through the Firearms and Explosives Office, serves as the sole authority for issuing gun licenses, permits and firearm registrations in the Philippines under Republic Act 10591.

Nartatez said gun ownership comes with big responsibilities that are stipulated in the issuance of permits — from the LTOPF to firearms registration and even Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence.

Nartatez said he has already tasked the Civil Security Group to develop final, updated guidelines for conducting frequent gun safety seminars for all registered firearms owners across the country.