GOVERNMENT troops apprehended a 14-year-old Grade 9 student who brought an unlicensed firearm to a school in Pikit, Cotabato, the military reported yesterday
The boy, a student of the Takepan National High School in Barangay Takepan, was turned over to the town police station after he was accosted last Friday, by the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID).
Lt. Col. Dennis Almorato, 6th ID spokesman, said troops from the 90th Infantry Battalion (IB) were conducting a security check at the Takepan public market when they were alerted about the student carrying a firearm.
“Upon further investigation, the suspect was found to have an unlicensed firearm identified as a modified 5.56mm pistol,” said Almorato.
Almorato said the boy was apprehended at the Takepan National High School and was turned over to the custody of the local police.
“The 14-year-old student now faces delinquencies for his actions. Local authorities are working to uncover the origin of the firearm,” said Almorato.
Lt. Col. Rowel Gavilanes, 90th IB commander, said the incident raised the concerns of school officials, parents and local authorities and the need to increase vigilance to ensure the safety of students.
“The school administration is cooperating fully with the authorities in our investigation to determine how the student came into possession of the illegal firearm and if there are any additional individuals involved,” said Gavilanes.
Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, 6th ID commander, cited the need to maintain a secure educational environment for all students.
“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe and secure educational environment for all students,” said Rillera.
