BuCor reminds personnel of firearm safety

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Thursday said it has issued a memorandum reminding its personnel of their responsibility to properly handle and safeguard government-issued and privately-owned firearms.

The reminder comes in the wake of the deadly Ateneo de Zamboanga school shooting that allegedly involved firearms issued to and owned by a Customs official,

“Personnel who are authorized to possess firearms must ensure that their weapons are secured at all times and cannot be accessed by unauthorized individuals, particularly children and other minors,” BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang said.

BuCor stressed that firearms must be placed in secure storage facilities at home, such as a heavy-duty gun safe or lockbox that is firmly bolted to a wall or floor.

The bureau said they must be strong enough to resist forced entry and should be installed in a discreet and secure area of the residence.

Meanwhile, the combination of the gun safe must not be disclosed to unauthorized personnel. BuCor also reminded personnel to refrain from leaving their keys in obvious places that are accessible to family members or visitors.

Aside from this, firearms should be fitted with a trigger lock or cable lock.

According to the bureau, ammunition must also be stored in a completely different locked container, reducing the risk of accidental discharge and making unauthorized use more difficult.

“The BuCor leadership stressed that responsible firearm ownership requires discipline, vigilance, and full compliance with established safety protocols,” BuCor said.

“A moment of carelessness can result in irreversible consequences, including accidental shootings, loss of life, criminal liability, and damage to the reputation of the service,” it added. — BM, GMA News