TACLOBAN CITY — A firearm and ammunition were recovered from a minor student after a fellow student reported that he was allegedly carrying a gun inside a classroom in Catarman, Northern Samar, prompting police to tighten security coordination with school officials.
The incident occurred on Thursday Oct. 1, at the Catarman National High School where a student alerted a teacher about the alleged presence of a firearm inside the classroom, according to the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8).
The teacher immediately reported the matter to the school administration, which notified the Catarman Municipal Police Station.
Police recovered a .45-caliber pistol without a serial number, four magazines and 10 rounds of ammunition from the 15-year old minor. The student reportedly told authorities that the firearm belonged to his father.
The minor, who is in Grade 10, was assisted by personnel of the Women and Children Protection Desk and referred to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for assessment and appropriate intervention in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
The incident occurred as schools in Eastern Visayas continue to strengthen security measures following the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School(SJNHS) in Tacloban City that left three students dead and 20 others injured.
Several other incidents happened in other parts of the country following the SJNHS incident.
The Catarman incident prompted police to meet with school officials to review and strengthen safety and security measures for students, teachers and other school personnel.
The initiative is part of the Police Regional Office 8’s efforts, under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Romano V. Cardiño, to strengthen partnerships with schools, local governments and other stakeholders in maintaining safe learning environments.
The move also follows the directive of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. to strengthen police-community partnerships and ensure responsive police services.
“The safety of our students is a responsibility that we must share. We will continue to strengthen PRO-8’s partnership with schools and other stakeholders to maintain a safe learning environment throughout Eastern Visayas,” Cardiño said.
PRO-8 reminded parents and guardians to ensure that firearms are properly secured and kept away from children and other unauthorized persons.
The regional police office also urged schools and communities to immediately report firearm-related incidents to authorities to ensure prompt and appropriate action.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
