The administration of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres defended the CNMI’s new gun control laws on Friday as a law that could be “a role model” for other U.S. states and jurisdictions facing seemingly uncontrolled and continued gun violence.

“The Commonwealth has enjoyed a peaceful society through the unique treaty under the Covenant with the United States for 40 some years,” the administration said. “It is the law’s intent that the possession and use of handguns will be for self-defense and not for the indiscriminate use to harm human life or to intimidate.

“We have seen many cases of illegal gun possession and use,” the administration added, “which have needlessly harmed human life. In such instances, government officials and families of victims often call for stricter gun rules to prevent further loss of life.