INTERIOR Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla on Tuesday vowed to take measures to prevent similar incidents following a deadly shooting involving students in Zamboanga City.

In a statement, Remulla described the incident as a tragedy involving students and firearms that resulted in loss of lives.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief stressed that protecting children should remain a priority regardless of political differences.

Remulla also raised concerns about the responsibility that comes with firearm ownership, saying gun owners are responsible not only for possessing their weapons but also for keeping them properly secured.

“Gun ownership is a privilege accorded to those who need to protect themselves. But that privilege carries with it not only the responsibility of ownership, but the responsibility of safekeeping,” Remulla said.

He said the DILG would take the necessary steps to prevent similar incidents, even if such measures face opposition.

“We will make the hard choices in order to protect the Filipino people,” he added.

Remulla also said the government has a responsibility to protect the public from various threats, including disasters, fires and gun violence.

“The social contract holds. This country will remain safe. That is our duty,” Remulla said.