HOUSE Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Elago has questioned the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) over reported military educational tours that allowed children to handle firearms, warning that such activities could normalize guns and violence among minors.

During the Department of National Defense’s budget briefing, Elago raised concerns over activities conducted by the 89th Infantry Battalion involving students in Davao del Norte and Bukidnon.

She cited a February 2025 educational tour in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, where photos posted by the battalion reportedly showed children handling a firearm.

Elago also pointed to a January 2026 tour for 150 students from child development centers in Maramag, Bukidnon, where a similar photo reportedly showed a child holding a gun.

The lawmaker said the incidents were alarming amid continuing cases of school shootings and gun-related violence involving young people.

She stressed that children should never be allowed to handle firearms, particularly during activities organized by the military, saying early childhood education should focus on learning, safety, and holistic development rather than the normalization of weapons and militarization.

Elago urged the DND and AFP to review and suspend activities that allow minors to handle firearms and establish clear safeguards for all military engagements involving children.

She added that nation-building should focus on giving children knowledge, protection, and opportunities rather than exposing them to weapons.