Tagbilaran orders audit of police firearms after Tacloban shooting

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Mayor Jane Yap on Tuesday ordered an immediate and comprehensive audit of all firearms under the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Tagbilaran City following the school shooting in Tacloban City that left several students dead and wounded.

Yap instructed Tagbilaran City Police Chief Lt. Col. Joey Bicoy to conduct a full inventory, verification, and audit of all firearms, including service firearms issued to police personnel.

The move came after reports confirmed that one of the firearms used in the deadly attack at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City was traced to a service firearm issued to a member of the PNP.

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READ: Guns in Tacloban shooting belong to suspect’s cop aunt, security agency

“Public safety remains our highest priority. It is necessary to verify that all existing protocols on firearm accountability, proper safekeeping, and responsible custody are consistently being followed,” Yap said.

The mayor said the audit aims to ensure that all government-issued firearms are properly accounted for and secured at all times, as part of the city government’s commitment to maintaining peace and order.

Yap noted that proactive measures are necessary to prevent incidents that could endanger lives and undermine public safety.

“The safety of our schools, our families, and every Tagbilaranon remains non-negotiable,” she said.

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The mayor also underscored the importance of strict discipline and responsibility among law enforcement personnel in handling firearms.

“Let this serve as a clear reminder: responsibility and discipline in handling firearms must be absolute,” Yap said.

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Authorities in Tacloban are continuing their investigation into the school shooting, including how the suspects obtained the firearms used. The incident has prompted calls for stricter firearm accountability and enhanced security measures in schools and communities across the country./coa

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