MANILA — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will petition the Supreme Court to allow the Philippine National Police (PNP) to inspect the homes of licensed firearm owners to check whether their guns are properly secured, Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.

Remulla said the DILG is working with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to prepare the petition following the recent school shooting in South Cotabato.

“The Supreme Court ruled na hindi kami pwedeng mag-inspection sa loob ng bahay. I will make a petition sa Supreme Court to make it legal for the PNP to inspect the homes of legal firearms users to make sure that they are kept properly,” he said.

Remulla said the three recent school-based shooting incidents shared similarities involving irresponsible firearm ownership and safekeeping, which allowed perpetrators to gain access to guns.

“There has to be a right for the state to inspect the gun owners premises kung tama ang storage nila ng baril,” he added.

Existing policies require firearm owners to use safety containers and comply with other safekeeping measures. Remulla said, however, that the PNP currently lacks authority to inspect residences to verify compliance with these requirements.

He stressed that any inspection authority should have a clear legal basis, arguing that firearm ownership in the Philippines is a privilege that carries corresponding responsibility and accountability.

“Remember, owning a firearm in the Philippines is not enshrined in the constitution. It is not a right but a privilege. And that privilege has to come with responsibility, and that responsibility has to come with accountability, especially with the PNP,” the DILG chief said.

“We should have the power to inspect without a warrant on all gun owners and how they store their guns,” he added.

The proposal is part of the government’s response to a series of school shooting incidents, including the latest shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato. The government is reviewing measures to strengthen school security and prevent minors from gaining access to firearms.

Remulla said the DILG is also coordinating with concerned agencies and legislative bodies to review existing protocols, including police presence and access control in schools, identification of warning signs, and measures to prevent minors from accessing firearms.

“The President has asked me to report on Monday to give the guidelines again. And then we will craft with the DepEd another set of rules kung paano natin ma a-avoid ito,” Remulla said.