The Education Secretary urged households to adopt responsible gun ownership after a rise in firearm incidents involving students.
He emphasized that student safety extends beyond school gates, beginning at home.
The call follows a tragic incident in which a nine‑year‑old was struck by a .38 pistol while playing with a 13‑year‑old at a residence, occurring six weeks after a fatal school shooting in Tacloban that also involved minors.
In response to the Tacloban tragedy, the Department of Education introduced stricter security protocols for public schools.
Measures include the deployment of handheld metal detectors, enhanced visitor management systems, routine bag inspections, expanded CCTV coverage, and increased police presence.
The agency has also enforced a zero‑tolerance policy against firearms, ammunition, bladed weapons, and explosives under its Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment.
Despite these protocols, school‑related violence persists nationwide. A recent example involved a 13‑year‑old Grade 9 student who was stabbed by a 14‑year‑old classmate at Las Piñas National High School after a dispute over change.
The Secretary stated that protecting young people requires a united community effort.
Law enforcement agencies were urged to implement stricter background checks, conduct regular inspections of licensed firearm storage, and take decisive action against illegal firearms to curb minors’ access to lethal weapons.
Parents and guardians were encouraged to provide proactive gun‑safety education, teaching children about the dangers of firearms and the importance of reporting any visible weapon to an adult immediately.
Responsible firearm storage is framed as both a legal obligation and a moral duty to prevent life‑changing tragedies.
