TACLOBAN CITY — Police in Biliran province recovered a caliber .38 revolver from an elementary school pupil during a school visitation in Almeria town, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to keep firearms out of schools.
In a report released Thursday, the Biliran Police Provincial Office said the firearm was turned over by the principal of Pulang Bato Elementary School after a pupil was allegedly found in possession of the weapon at around 2:50 p.m. on Wednesday.
Responding officers confiscated the caliber .38 revolver, which contained no ammunition, and took custody of it for proper documentation and disposition.
Police coordinated with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, the barangay chairman, the school principal, and the child’s parent.
After interviews, assessment, and counseling, the Grade 6 pupil was released to the parent for appropriate diversion proceedings under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
Authorities withheld the child’s identity and age in compliance with laws protecting the privacy of minors.
The Biliran Police Provincial Office said the incident underscores the need for close cooperation among schools, parents, law enforcement agencies, and local government units to prevent children from gaining access to firearms. It added that regular school visitations and stronger partnerships with school officials form part of its continuing Safer Schools Initiative to ensure a secure learning environment.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
