Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla is pushing for illegal possession of loose firearms to become a non-bailable offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison, following the recent school shooting in Zamboanga City.

In a media interview, Remulla said tougher penalties were needed to deter illegal firearm possession. “Non-bailable and then 20 years in prison,” he said when asked what changes he wanted to the firearms law.

Remulla said the current penalty was not enough of a deterrent because suspects could post bail while their cases were pending.

“Now, when you catch someone with loose firearms, it’s bailable. You can get out. You have a record, but it’s bailable, then you go to a hearing,” he said.

He said congressional leaders were working on amendments to strengthen the firearms law, with action on the measure being expedited. “I think it will be done by January. They’re going to rush it,” Remulla said.

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He also called for greater accountability among licensed firearm owners, saying gun ownership comes with the responsibility to keep weapons secured and inaccessible to unauthorized persons.

“The government should have the right to inspect their homes at any time and to see if the guns are being kept safely,” he said. “It is a privilege granted in the Philippines. It is a privilege, not a right.”

The call followed the Zamboanga City school shooting in which a minor gained access to legally owned firearms reportedly left inside a vehicle.

Remulla said the incident also underscored the need for stricter enforcement of firearm policies, particularly among 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,” he said.

A policewoman will be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides and injuries after it was alleged that one of the guns used in the Tacloban incident was her issued service firearm.