By CESAR JOLITO III
The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has reinforced its directive on the responsible handling and safekeeping of government-issued firearms, reminding police personnel that negligence in firearm security can lead to serious consequences.
The reminder comes in the wake of a recent incident in a public school in Tacloban City, involving the unauthorized use of a police-issued firearm, prompting police officials to emphasize stricter compliance with firearm accountability policies.
PRO-NIR Acting Regional Director Brigadier General Romano Cardiño said all police officers are responsible for ensuring that firearms issued to them are properly secured at all times and kept out of reach of unauthorized individuals.
“Government-issued firearms remain under the accountability of the personnel to whom they are entrusted. These should never be left unattended or accessible to family members, minors or any person not authorized to possess firearms,” Cardiño said.
To strengthen compliance, unit commanders across the region have been directed to regularly reiterate firearm safety protocols during formations and conduct periodic inspections to verify adherence to existing policies on firearm security and accountability.
Police officials warned that personnel found negligent in the handling, storage or safekeeping of issued firearms may face administrative, criminal and civil liabilities, depending on the circumstances of any incident or investigation.
Cardiño stressed that firearm accountability goes beyond regulatory compliance, describing it as a fundamental duty of every police officer.
“The firearm entrusted to a police officer is not only a symbol of authority but a solemn responsibility. Every member of the PNP must ensure that this responsibility is carried out with discipline, professionalism, and utmost regard for public safety,” he said.
PRO-NIR said the renewed reminder forms part of its continuing efforts to uphold professionalism, integrity, and public safety under its SAFE NIR framework while preventing incidents involving the loss, theft or unauthorized use of government-issued firearms./CCJ, WDJ