The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has reminded all police personnel across the region to strictly observe firearm safety and accountability measures following a recent incident in Tacloban City involving the unauthorized use of a police-issued firearm.
In a statement, PRO-NIR Acting Director PBGen. Romano Cardiño emphasized that every government-issued firearm carries with it a responsibility to ensure its security and proper handling at all times.
Cardiño said police officers must exercise utmost vigilance, responsibility, and accountability in the safekeeping, handling, and storage of firearms to prevent accidents, unauthorized use, theft, and other incidents that could endanger lives and erode public trust in the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“All government-issued firearms remain under the accountability of the personnel to whom they are entrusted. We remind our police officers to ensure that their firearms are always properly secured and never left unattended or accessible to unauthorized individuals, including family members, minors, or any person not authorized to possess firearms,” he added.
Cardiño ordered unit commanders to reiterate firearm safety protocols during regular formations and conduct periodic inspections to ensure compliance with policies on firearm accountability and security.
He also warned that negligence in the safekeeping of issued firearms could result in administrative, criminal, and civil liabilities, depending on the findings of any investigation.
Police personnel may be held accountable for the loss, theft, unauthorized use, or any incident arising from the improper handling or storage of government-issued firearms.
Cardiño stressed that firearm accountability is not merely a regulatory requirement but a fundamental obligation 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 added. ||
