Crisis averted as student reports gun-wielding classmate to teacher inside classroom in Northern Samar – police

Police Brig. Gen. Romano V. Cardiño, director of Eastern Visayas Police Regional Office (PRO-8), said the incident occurred at a school in Barangay Dalakit on Oct. 1 when a student informed a teacher that a male classmate had a gun inside the classroom.

The information was immediately relayed to school administrators, who in turn coordinated with the Catarman Municipal Police Station.

Police responders recovered an unregistered .45-caliber pistol, four magazines, and 10 rounds of ammunition from the minor student, according to PRO-8.

According to police, the student reportedly told authorities that the firearm belonged to his father. An investigation was launched to determine why and how the student managed to bring the gun inside the school.

The minor was assisted by personnel of the Women and Children Protection Desk and was referred to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for assessment and appropriate intervention in accordance with existing laws and procedures.

Following the incident, police officers met with school administrators to strengthen campus security measures and review safety protocols aimed at protecting students, teachers, and school personnel.

“The safety of our students is a responsibility that we should all work on together. We will continue to strengthen PRO-8’s collaboration with schools and other partners 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.

It likewise encouraged schools and communities to immediately report firearm-related incidents to authorities to ensure prompt and appropriate action. — Martin Sadongdong