Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. has filed House Bill No. 10002 seeking to impose penalties on gun owners who fail to properly secure their firearms, allowing minors to gain access to them.

Filed on July 2, the bill requires lawful firearm owners to securely store their firearms and ammunition in residences, offices, businesses, and other properties under their control to prevent access by minors.

Under the proposed measure, negligent firearm owners may face imprisonment and fines ranging from P200,000 to P1 million, depending on the consequences of a minor’s access to the firearm. Penalties become more severe if the firearm is discharged, causes injury, or results in death. Unlicensed firearm possessors would face stiffer penalties.

Lazatin said adults should bear primary responsibility when children gain access to firearms, stressing that minors should never have access to weapons they are incapable of safely handling.

The Pampanga lawmaker earlier filed House Resolution No. 1159 urging the House Committee on Public Order and Safety to review existing firearm regulations following the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City. He said the incident highlights the need to strengthen safeguards, accountability, and responsible gun ownership to prevent similar tragedies.