Nearly 5,000 gun violence cases recorded last year

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo answers questions from reporters after a media briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City, in this file photo on April 25, 2023. (File photo by FAITH ARGOSINO / INQUIRER.net)

A total of 4,956 cases of gun-related violence were recorded in the country last year, the Philippine National Police said on Monday.

The figure, however, is lower compared to the 5,172 incidents recorded in 2022, PNP public affairs chief Col. Jean Fajardo said at a press briefing.

She added that so far, 808 cases have been reported this year.

Of the nearly 5,000 such cases in 2023, most were shootings, grave threats, alarms and scandals, and robberies, Fajardo said. These led to 3,972 gun-related cases being filed in court, with 1,136 others under investigation.

Fajardo announced last week that civilians would soon be allowed to own semiautomatic rifles or those with 7.62mm caliber or lower after the PNP made minor amendments to the implementing rules and regulations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, or Republic Act No. 10591.

The amendments were submitted to the University of the Philippines Law Center on Feb. 27 for publication, after which the revision would take effect after 15 days.

Additional requirement

Separate licenses, however, were needed for the gun owner to transport the semiautomatic firearm or carry it outdoors.

The eased restrictions have raised concerns among gun control advocates and some senators, saying that these could affect the peace and security situation in the country.

READ: Plan to allow citizens own high-powered rifles concerns senators

But Fajardo maintained that safeguards were in place to ensure the new policy would not be violated. “There are certain provisions and limitations concerning ownership and possession,” she stressed.

According to her, these would also encourage responsible gun ownership, as owners would register their firearms, making them easier to track.