Romnick Sarmenta Speaks Out on the Growing Concern Over Minors & Gun Violence
ROMNICK SARMENTA – Veteran actor Romnick Sarmenta did not hold back as he shared his thoughts on gun-related incidents involving young people and the need to better protect students.
Actor Romnick Sarmenta has once again spoken candidly about pressing issues in the Philippines, this time addressing shooting incidents involving minors and the need for stronger measures to protect young people.
Known for openly expressing his views on social issues, Sarmenta has been vocal about concerns surrounding crime, government corruption, and other matters affecting Filipinos. He recently spoke with members of the entertainment media during the special screening of Episode 4 of the six-part YouTube series “Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence.”
In the series, Sarmenta portrays the father of Harvey Bautista’s character. Both characters were victims of the controversial drug war implemented during the Duterte administration.
Sarmenta admitted that his family sometimes worries about the things he says publicly and posts on social media. He shared that his children and wife, actress Barbara Ruaro, have advised him to be more careful.
“Yung mga anak ko. Mga anak ko iyung nag-aalala. Siyempre, concerned sila, e.
“Si Barbara (Ruaro, isa ring aktres), yung wife ko. Sinasabi niya, ‘Baka malagay ka sa alanganin.’ And I appreciate it more than anything na nag-aalala sila.
“But I also have to tell them every now and then na, ‘Para sa inyo din ito.’ Di ba? Hopefully kung may magising at may magbago… kasi, hindi ko naman inaasahan sa lifetime ko, e.
“Hindi dahil wala akong pag-asa. Parang hindi lang alam kung hindi siya ganu’n kabilis. So, kung abutan ko, grateful. Kung hindi… sana, ilaban n’yo rin yung katotohanan,” Romnick further reasoned.
When asked about shooting incidents involving young people and speculation about drugs being a possible factor, Sarmenta emphasized that authorities should look beyond quick assumptions.
“Madaling sisihin ang mga bagay na flying in the air, e. Katulad nu’n, pag sinabi, ‘Ahhh, droga ang dahilan niyan.’ ‘Ahhh, ganito yan.’”
He questioned whether sufficient programs exist to teach students about firearm safety, monitor gun ownership, and ensure that schools remain safe.
Sarmenta also raised concerns about neurological examinations for police officers and firearm applicants, stressing the importance of ensuring that proper safeguards are actually implemented.
“Madaling manisi, e. Madaling makakita ng dahilan. Pero hangga’t hindi natin napapag-aralan kung saan siya nagmula, ano ang pinanggalingan, hindi natin puwedeng sabihin na nakahanda tayo, e.”
Rather than relying on blame or temporary measures, Sarmenta called for deeper investigation and long-term solutions. He pointed out that blaming parents or video games alone may oversimplify a complex issue.
“I mean, yung context, maraming bagay na puwedeng sabihin. And until ma-figure out natin kung ano yung dapat talaga nating i-address at papaano siya ia-address nang tama — hindi yung band-aid solution.”
For Sarmenta, protecting young people requires education, prevention, accountability, and proper systems from the beginning.
“Hindi yung tataasan natin ng ganito, babawalan natin ng ganito. Hindi yun ang solusyon, e. Ang solusyon, tinuruan ba natin sila from the very beginning? At ginagawa ba natin yung tama para sa kanila?” said Romnick.
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