Gasataya urges responsible gun ownership after school shootings

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Greg Gasataya has urged government employees and licensed firearm owners to ensure that their guns are properly and securely stored at home to prevent children from gaining access to them.

Speaking during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), Gasataya said he recently discussed school-related incidents when he met with Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

While acknowledging efforts by schools and local governments to strengthen security, the mayor said there are instances in which children gain access to firearms stored inside homes.

“I’m not going to ask who among you have licensed firearms because we know there are many,” Gasataya said, appealing to firearm owners to exercise greater responsibility in securing their weapons.

“Ang pangabay sang government is kung puwede, palihog isecure ang firearms sa inyo panimalay kag siguraduhon na indi ma access sang mga kabataan,” Gasataya stressed.

He cited the recent shootings at Banga National High School in South Cotabato and Ateneo de Zamboanga University, where firearms involved in the incidents were linked to government employees.

In the Sept. 18 shooting at Banga National High School, authorities said the firearm used belonged to the alleged shooter’s father, a Department of Education employee.

Gasataya stressed that securing firearms at home is an important part of preventing children from accessing them, even as authorities continue to improve school security measures.

He also expressed concern over previous incidents involving children of government employees, saying such cases highlight the need for public servants to set an example of responsible firearm ownership.

“It’s not sending a good signal,” he said.

“This is something we all need to help address. We are government employees, so this is simply an appeal to everyone to do their part and be responsible,” he said.

The mayor likewise reminded the public to use modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, responsibly, warning that these tools can also be abused for harmful purposes.

The Sept. 18 shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato left three students dead, including the alleged shooter, and eight others injured.

Authorities said two students were killed before the student gunman died, while eight other students were injured.

The incident followed the Aug. 18 shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, which killed two students, including the alleged shooter.

Authorities later said the two firearms used in the Zamboanga shooting were registered to the alleged shooter’s father, a Bureau of Customs officer, while one was a government-issued firearm.

Following the Zamboanga shooting, Remulla called on Congress to strengthen firearms laws and impose greater accountability on licensed gun owners whose weapons are used in crimes.

Earlier, on June 22, a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City left three students dead and at least 20 others injured, with two students identified by authorities as the alleged attackers.