Lazatin: Protect children from stray bullets

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2016/08/11/lazatin-protect-children-stray-bullets-490845
• Thursday, August 11, 2016

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- A city councilor here has filed a proposed ordinance that seeks to provide children protection from irresponsible gun owners and manufacturers.

Councilor Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin Jr. said he is alarmed by the rising deaths of children due to accidental firing and irresponsible handling of guns.

"Wanton disregard of loaded weapons sometimes lead to the injuries and even death of our young," said Lazatin.

On 2013 alone, statistics showed that a total of 61 children ages 11-years-old below died of irresponsible gun handling.

Lazatin said that the ordinance seeks to punish firearms owners whose negligence resulted to the injury and death of children.

The city councilor also wants gun manufacturers to be more safety-conscious on their products. He encouraged them to put safety devices in every firearm which will prevent children from discharging it.

If passed, a person who leaves a loaded firearm within reach of children will be criminally liable.

Lazatin said the same goes to a person who manufacture, sell, cause to sell or import a firearm that does not have as an integral part a device or devices that prevent a child of less than 7 years of age from discharging a firearm by reason of the amount of strength, dexterity, cognitive skill, or other ability required to cause a discharge.

A gun owner who is found guilty of negligence will be punished with a fine of not less than five thousand pesos (P5,000) or imprisonment of less than three months or both at the discretion of the Court.

If neglected firearm caused the injury or death of a child through accidental firing, the fine imposed to the owner will be P5,000 and imprisonment.