Manila, Aug. 21 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday vowed to strengthen accountability measures among its personnel to prevent children and other unauthorized persons from gaining access to service weapons.

He directed commanders nationwide to remind all police personnel of the proper storage and handling of firearms, particularly while they are off duty and at home.

"Firearms must never be left in places where children or unauthorized persons can gain access to them," PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

This is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to strengthen public safety and ensure that government personnel exercise responsibility in the handling and safekeeping ...