'Gun lessons should be requisite for gun ownership'

To ensure the safe use, maintenance, and storage of guns, a partylist representative has filed a measure to regulate gun ownership.

In a statement released Saturday, ARC Partylist Rep. Narciso Santiago III said he has filed House Bill No. 5695, which proposes regulations for the issuance of a handgun permit.

"The proliferation of handguns has caused untoward incidents involving irresponsible individuals who lack the knowledge and skills for their safe use, maintenance and storage," Santiago said.

"This bill provides for an obligatory course of instruction on the safe use, maintenance and storage of handguns as a requisite for an individual to acquire a license to possess a handgun," Santiago added.

The bill also known as the "Requirement of Course of Instruction in the Safe Use, Maintenance and Storage of Handguns Act" requires the law enforcement agency under the Philippine National Police (PNP) or an entity designed by such agency to provide for the course of instruction in the safe use, maintenance and storage of handguns.

Under Santiago's proposal, first- and second-time violators shall be penalized with a fine ranging from not more than P10,000 to up to not more than P50,000 and seizure of the weapon.

Santiago added it is the policy of the State to ensure that handguns are available only to persons with demonstrated knowledge and skill in their safe use, maintenance and storage.