Student caught with handgun before entering South Cotabato school

TUPI, South Cotabato – A 16-year-old student was taken into police custody on Tuesday after he was allegedly caught carrying a 9mm pistol before entering a public school here, a police official said Wednesday.

Maj. Rovi Jardenil, chief of the Tupi Municipal Police Station, said a concerned citizen informed authorities about a student displaying a firearm along the national highway in the población area.

Police officers immediately responded and intercepted the student before he entered the school.

READ: Group: Preventing school violence begins long before attacks happen

Jardenil said responding officers recovered a loaded 9mm pistol and magazines from the minor, preventing what he described as a possible threat to public safety.

The student told investigators he brought the gun for self-defense, adding the firearm belongs to an older brother who is an active member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the official said.

Investigation found that the pistol was allegedly taken without the owner’s knowledge or consent.

The minor was referred to the Women and Children Protection Desk and turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for appropriate intervention.

Jardenil thanked the concerned citizen who reported the incident.

“This incident reminds us that public safety is a shared responsibility. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious activities, and continue working hand in hand with the Philippine National Police,” he said.

Jardenil reminded firearm owners, especially members of the uniformed services, to keep their firearms properly secured and out of reach of children and other unauthorized persons to prevent similar incidents./coa