By I. Inojales | 10:50 AM June 23, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Mayor Jane Yap has directed the Tagbilaran City Police Office to conduct an immediate and intensive audit of all firearms under its custody following reports that a service firearm issued to a police officer was used in the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 23, Yap ordered City Police Chief Lt. Col. Joey Bicoy to carry out a full inventory, verification, and audit of all firearms, including service weapons assigned to police personnel.
The mayor said the measure was prompted by the tragic shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, which raised concerns about firearm accountability within law enforcement agencies.
“Public safety remains our highest priority,” Yap said, stressing the need to ensure that existing rules on firearm accountability, safekeeping, and custody are being strictly observed.
She said the audit would help verify that all government-issued firearms are properly accounted for and secured, adding that proactive steps are necessary to prevent incidents that could threaten public safety.
Yap emphasized that the protection of students, families, and communities must remain a top concern of government authorities.
“The safety of our schools, our families, and every Tagbilaranon remains non-negotiable,” she said.
The mayor also reminded police personnel of their responsibility in handling government-issued firearms.
“Responsibility and discipline in the handling of firearms must be absolute,” Yap said.
The order comes as authorities continue to investigate the Tacloban school shooting, one of the deadliest incidents of school violence in recent years, and examine how a firearm reportedly linked to a police officer ended up being used in the attack.
The City Government of Tagbilaran said the audit forms part of its continuing efforts to strengthen public safety and maintain public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
