Police prevent student carrying Army-issued handgun from entering school
MANILA, Philippines — Police seized just in time an Army-issued pistol from a 16-year-old before he entered his school in Tupi, South Cotabato.
The student was walking along the National Highway in Barangay Poblacion on July 7 when a government employee tipped off authorities, according to a news release from the Philippine National Police (PNP).
A patrol team stopped the teenager before he reached the campus and recovered a Glock 17 9mm pistol with two magazines loaded with 32 rounds, police said.
The firearm was the service weapon of the student's older brother, an active member of the Philippine Army assigned to the 6th Infantry Battalion, 6th Infantry Division.
Police said the minor took it without his brother's knowledge or consent. He told investigators he brought it for self-defense.
The student was referred to the Women and Children Protection Desk and turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.
Police are preparing charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
PNP chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. credited the tip from the local government employee.
"The swift response of our personnel prevented a potentially dangerous situation from unfolding inside the school," Nartatez said. "This incident reminds us that school safety requires constant vigilance from both law enforcement and the community."
The Philippine Army said it will investigate how a soldier's issued firearm ended up in the hands of a teenager.
"The Philippine Army will thoroughly look into this incident and will not tolerate any negligence on the part of its personnel in the handling and accountability of issued firearms," Army spoksperson Col. Louie G. Dema-ala said.
The incident comes two weeks after the June 22 shooting at a school in Tacloban City.
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