Northern Samar student faces rap over classroom gun
TACLOBAN CITY—Police have filed a criminal complaint against a 15-year-old Grade 10 student for allegedly bringing a .45-caliber pistol into his classroom at Catarman National High School in Northern Samar on Oct. 1.
The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) said on Thursday that the complaint was referred to the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Catarman on Wednesday after the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office determined that the minor acted with discernment.
The complaint involves an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Police recovered a .45-caliber pistol without a serial number, four magazines and 10 rounds of ammunition from the student, who reportedly told authorities that the firearm belonged to his father.
Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, PRO-8 regional director, said authorities would pursue the case in accordance with the law while protecting the minor’s rights and identity.
He also warned students against bringing firearms to school and urged the public to report potential threats to the nearest police station.
Warning
The incident has added to concerns over campus security following three deadly school shootings reported in the country in recent months.
On June 22, a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City left three students dead and 23 others injured. On Aug. 18, a shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s junior high school campus killed two students, including the alleged gunman, and wounded another.
On Sept. 18, three students, including the alleged 14-year-old gunman, died in a shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato. Six others were wounded.
The incidents have renewed calls for stronger school security, tighter firearm controls and closer coordination among police, school administrators and local governments to prevent violence on school grounds.
