Matibag urges gun owners to secure firearms, keep them away from children

August 25, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

NBI Director Melvin Matibag on Tuesday urged gun owners to exercise greater responsibility in securing their firearms and ensure that these do not fall into the hands of children amid a string of violent incidents involving minors.

Matibag issued the appeal during a press conference as the NBI investigates recent school shooting incidents.

He warned gun owners that they could face responsibility if their firearms are accessed by their children and used to hurt others.

“Kung mangyayari ulit yan, and isa sa mga anak ninyo ma-involved ulit, bukod sa maaaring nawalan na kayo ng anak, nakasakit ang inyong anak, we will also make you responsible for being irresponsible in holding yung mga baril ninyo,” Matibag said.

He urged gun owners to cooperate with authorities in preventing similar incidents.

“So please join us in this effort na ma-stop natin itong pangyayaring ito bago pa ito lumala todo,” he said.

Matibag also noted that violence involving young people is not limited to shootings citing a separate stabbing incident in Cavite.

“Nakakalimutan natin na meron din sa Cavite na nangyari eh, saksak naman,” he said.#