MANILA, Philippines — Following a spate of school shootings caused by irresponsible gun owners, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is requiring people applying for or renewing firearm licenses to submit a photograph of a safety vault.
The requirement on the application and renewal of license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) took effect yesterday, Firearms and Explosives Office chief Brig. Gen. Melecio Buslig Jr. said.
“All LTOPF applicants are required to upload a photograph showing the applicant with the gun vault or container secured with a lock and key,” Buslig said.
The PNP directive stemmed from a string of violent incidents in schools.
On Sept. 18, a Grade 9 student fired at his schoolmates at the Banga National High School in South Cotabato, killing two and wounding eight others. The 16-year-old shooter killed himself using the same gun.
An investigation showed that the suspect took his father’s 9mm pistol by forcibly destroying the safety vault where it was kept.
Civil Security Group director Maj. Gen. Aden Lagradante said they are reinforcing the implementation of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.