PNP confirms Grade 9 student yields firearm during inspection in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday confirmed that a firearm was recovered from a Grade 9 student’s school bag in Pinamungajan, Cebu.

The PNP said the school administration reported the incident after the firearm was discovered during a school bag inspection. The gun that was recovered on Tuesday, Aug. 18, had no ammunition and is now under police custody.

The junior high school student was said to be a minor.

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The firearm was allegedly owned by the child’s grandfather, according to the PNP. 

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Meanwhile, information regarding the ownership and circumstances that led to the minor’s possession of the firearm is still being verified by the authorities, the PNP said.

“If established, appropriate accountability will be determined in accordance with existing laws,” it added.

The child was turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and is placed under intervention, in compliance with Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

“The PNP reminds parents, guardians, and firearm custodians to keep firearms properly secured and inaccessible to children and unauthorized persons. Schools and communities are likewise encouraged to promptly coordinate with authorities whenever safety concerns arise,” the PNP stressed. /jpv