Manila: House of Representatives Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos are leading efforts to push for the passage of a bill aimed at strengthening the nation's firearms laws and safeguards. This legislative move comes as an immediate response to the recent shooting incident at Banga National High School in South Cotabato.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dy emphasized in a news release that House Bill (HB) 11387, known as the Responsible Firearm Ownership and Safe Storage Act, aims to prevent minors and other unauthorized individuals from accessing firearms. This measure is part of a broader strategy to enhance school safety and prevent similar tragedies in the future. Dy stated, "This latest tragedy reinforces our resolve to build safer and more caring schools for every Filipino child."
HB 11387 proposes stricter requirements for safe storage, mandatory gun-safety training, tougher penalties for unauthorized access, and introduces a new offense termed "criminally negligent unauthorized access." This offense would address situations where a registered firearm owner or custodian fails to secure a firearm, enabling an unauthorized person to gain possession or use it.
Dy expressed his solidarity with those affected by the incident and highlighted the seriousness of the issue, stressing that it is not an isolated case. He warned of the urgency in addressing the recurring problem of school shootings, citing similar incidents in recent months.
The Speaker also pointed out the necessity of addressing the issue beyond security measures by focusing on values formation, support systems, and interventions that can prevent violence. He called for enhanced mental health support for students, ensuring they have safe avenues to seek help during distress.
In parallel, senators are advocating for a comprehensive government review of school safety mechanisms. Senator Risa Hontiveros emphasized the need to explore various factors contributing to children's vulnerability, such as mental health, parental supervision, gun access, and the influence of online platforms on youth radicalization and violence.
Hontiveros mentioned the proposed SAGIP Bata Act as a potential intervention but cautioned against viewing it as a complete solution. She stressed the importance of schools being spaces of learning and peace for children, their "second home."
Senator Loren Legarda also called for an investigation into how the weapon entered the school and whether warning signs were overlooked. She urged a coordinated review of firearm safekeeping, school security protocols, and access to mental health support, alongside revisiting measures promised after previous shootings.
The South Cotabato incident marks the third deadly school shooting in the Philippines since June, with previous attacks occurring in Tacloban City and Zamboanga City. Authorities are still investigating the recent shooting, focusing on firearm acquisition and potential missed warnings.
