The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed Friday to tighten accountability measures for its personnel to prevent children and unauthorized individuals from accessing official service weapons.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed commanders nationwide to remind all officers about proper firearm storage and handling, specifically when off duty and at home.

“Firearms must never be left in places where children or unauthorized persons can gain access to them,” Nartatez said in a statement.

The directive aligns with instructions from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to enhance public safety and ensure responsible safekeeping of government-issued firearms.

Police commanders have been ordered to deliver firearm safety reminders during regular unit briefings and formations.

The policy push follows recent campus shootings involving firearms issued to government personnel at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School and San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte.

“Here in the PNP, we will continue to remind our personnel that owning or carrying a firearm comes with a serious responsibility. One moment of negligence can result in the loss of life. We support calls for stricter accountability among gun owners. Responsible storage is non-negotiable,” Nartatez said.

Nartatez added that the PNP will deploy personnel and resources to assist with nationwide school safety drills scheduled by the Department of Education for 25 August.

“We have been involved in crafting measures to ensure the protection of learners and every learning space. The hard work is not yet done since your PNP will also be there to make sure that these safety measures are properly implemented in every school,” he said.