Student faces complaint for bringing gun to Northern Samar school

TACLOBAN CITY — A 15-year-old Grade 10 student of Catarman National High School in Catarman, Northern Samar, is facing a criminal complaint for allegedly bringing a firearm into his classroom on Oct.1.

The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) announced on Thursday that they referred the complaint to the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Catarman after the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) assessed 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, in connection with the incident at the school in Barangay Dalakit, Catarman.

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READ: Student found carrying firearm inside Northern Samar school

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Police recovered a .45-caliber pistol without a serial number, four magazines, and 10 rounds of ammunition from the student. He reportedly told authorities that the firearm belonged to his father.

Catarman National High School, the town’s only public secondary school, has more than 5,000 enrolled students.

PRO-8 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño said authorities would pursue the case while safeguarding the minor’s rights and identity.

“We will ensure that this case is handled following established procedures, with due regard for the rights of the minor. We remain committed to fairness, accountability, and the proper administration of justice,” Cardiño said.

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He also warned students against bringing firearms to school.

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The Catarman incident comes amid heightened concerns over campus security following three deadly school-related shootings reported in different parts of the country in recent months.

On June 22, a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City left three minor students dead, three others seriously injured, and 20 more wounded. One of the two alleged perpetrators, also 15, was subsequently charged in court.

READ: School shooting kills 3 students in Tacloban

On Aug. 18, a shooting at the junior high school campus of Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City left two students dead, including the alleged student gunman, while another student was wounded.

A month later, on Sept. 18, a shooting at Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato, left three students dead, including the alleged gunman, and six others wounded. Authorities said the 14-year-old shooter turned the gun on himself after firing at fellow students.

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The incidents have intensified calls for stronger school security, stricter firearm controls, and closer coordination among police, school administrators, local governments, and education officials to prevent violence on school grounds./coa