DILG seeks home inspections for gun owners, tighter social media rules after school shooting

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 19, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Rappler

PHILIPPINES – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is seeking stronger safeguards on firearms and children’s online activities following the deadly shooting at a high school in Banga, South Cotabato.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said he plans to ask the Supreme Court to allow police to inspect the homes of registered gun owners to determine whether firearms are being stored properly. He said the DILG will work with the Department of Justice in preparing a petition.

Remulla said the proposal comes after investigations into the three school shootings reported since June, where the firearms used were registered guns owned by government employees. He argued that the state should be able to check firearm storage because gun ownership in the Philippines is regulated as a privilege rather than a constitutional right.

The DILG is also looking at tighter restrictions on children’s access to social media and the internet. Remulla said he plans to meet with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and lawmakers to discuss possible measures, citing concerns over children’s exposure to violent online communities and other harmful content.

Authorities are also examining the online activities of the Banga shooting suspect. The Philippine National Police said investigators are reviewing the student’s phone, notes and other electronic devices, with initial findings pointing to heavy social media and internet use.

The Banga National High School shooting left three people dead and several others injured, marking the third school shooting incident in recent months. The government has also emphasized the need for stronger mental health support for children and closer coordination among parents, schools and government agencies.

The proposed measures would require further legal and legislative action, particularly on police inspections of private homes and restrictions on minors’ internet access. Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the South Cotabato shooting.