Manila, Philippines — After an incident involving a firearm that resulted serious injury of a nine-year-old student in General Santos City.
The Department of Education (DepEd) urged parents, guardians, and other adults in households to keep any type of firearm away from children and not allow minors to use or handle them to prevent accidents.
The incident occurred when a .35 caliber gun accidentally went off inside a house while a 13-year-old was also present.
According to DepEd, the series of firearm-related incidents is deeply alarming, including the shooting incident in Tacloban City, the confiscation of firearms allegedly being brought by students into school premises, and other similar cases.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said that the agency, communities, and every household must work together to protect students.
He also emphasized that responsible firearm storage, keeping guns out of children’s reach and sight, is already required for firearm owners, especially those living with children.
DepEd also called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies to strengthen background checks for individuals applying for firearm licenses.
The agency likewise urged authorities to further curb the illegal use of firearms, which are often accessed by minors.
It also stressed the need to educate young people about the dangers posed by firearms, various types of bladed weapons, and explosives.
Under the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE), the entry of sharp objects, weapons, firearms, and other items that may endanger safety is prohibited as part of maintaining “zones of peace” and implementing a “zero tolerance policy.”
The guidelines also include stricter entry protocols, non-intrusive inspections, and risk assessments to ensure a safe learning environment.