Bohol — In a swift response to the national outcry over the deadly June 22, 2026, school shooting in Tacloban City, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap has ordered an immediate and comprehensive audit of all Philippine National Police (PNP) firearms within her jurisdiction. The directive, issued on June 23, instructs City Police Chief Lt. Col. Joey Bicoy to conduct a rigorous inventory and verification of every service firearm issued to police personnel. This preemptive measure aims to ensure that all government-issued weapons are strictly accounted for and properly secured, preventing any potential misuse that could endanger public safety or the lives of Tagbilaran residents.
Lessons from a National Tragedy
The audit was prompted by the horrific incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where two students—aged 14 and 15—opened fire, resulting in three deaths and multiple injuries. Investigators later revealed that the firearms used were not meant for the minors: one was a 9mm pistol issued to a police staff sergeant (the suspect's aunt), and the other was a caliber .38 revolver traced to a Cebu-based security agency. The incident has sent shockwaves through the country, exposing potential lapses in firearm security and raising serious questions about how minors gained access to high-powered weapons. In Tagbilaran, Mayor Yap underscored that "responsibility and discipline in handling firearms must be absolute," framing the audit as a non-negotiable step to maintain the city's peace and order.
Broadening the Scope of Firearm Regulation
The national fallout from the Tacloban attack has led to a much broader crackdown on how guns are regulated across the Philippines. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has since ordered a nationwide review of existing regulations after investigators discovered a troubling serial number duplication involving the revolver used in the shooting; while registered to a Cebu agency, the number was traced to a different firearm in Bohol. As authorities work to close these loopholes, including investigating the security agency and registration processes, the Tagbilaran audit stands as a crucial local effort to reinforce the integrity of law enforcement. By prioritizing transparency and strict safekeeping, local leaders are striving to regain public trust and ensure that the tools intended for protection are never again turned against the community.
