ANGELES CITY – A city dad here lodged an ordinance that seeks to punish gun owners whose negligence resulted to the injury and death of children.
Alarmed by the rising deaths of children due to irresponsible gun owners, Councilor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. has filed an ordinance that will hold them criminally liable. If the firearm manufactured by a person or corporation caused the injury or death of a child through accidental firing, the fine imposed will be P5,000 or imprisonment.
A total of 61 children ages 11 years old below have died of irresponsible gun handling in 2013, according to reports.
Lazatin wants gun manufacturers to be more safe-conscious as he encourages them to put safety devices in their firearms to prevent children from accidentally discharging it.
If passed, a person who leaves a loaded firearm within reach of children will be criminally liable.
The gun owner who is found guilty of negligence will be punished with a fine of not less than P5,000 or imprisonment of less than three months or both at the discretion of the Court.
“Wanton disregard of loaded weapons sometimes lead to the injuries and even death of our young,” said Councilor Lazatin.