14-year-old brings grandfather’s .357 revolver to school in Cebu

On August 20, a 14-year-old student brought an unloaded .357 Smith & Wesson Magnum revolver to school in Pinamungajan, Cebu. The weapon was discovered by a teacher during a surprise inspection of student backpacks at Lut-od National High School in Barangay Lut-od. The school administration immediately contacted the police for assistance.

Responding officers confirmed the firearm was unloaded and retrieved it without incident. Initial investigations revealed the revolver belonged to the student's grandfather, who had stored it in a cabinet at their residence. The student reportedly took the gun from the cabinet and brought it to school. The student's parents work outside the municipality, and the child is currently being cared for by his grandparents.

In accordance with regulations for minors, the student was turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office while waiting for his parents or guardian. Cebu Police Provincial Office Director PCOL Abubakar Udang Mangelen Jr. commended the school staff for promptly reporting the firearm and contacting law enforcement.

He emphasized the importance of vigilance and security measures inside schools. The incident follows a recent shooting at a senior high school in Zamboanga that resulted in two deaths. Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro had previously ordered an increase in security at schools, including a one-police-to-school ratio and stronger coordination with school authorities.

Police are now deploying one officer per school and urging firearm owners to store their guns securely, especially in households with children. The case is still under investigation, and authorities are providing appropriate support for the minor in coordination with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and the student's parents or guardians.