05/08/2026
Liloan LGU commends the Liloan Municipal Police Station, together with school authorities, teachers, and the MSWDO, for the prompt interception of a student who allegedly posted threats.
PRESS RELEASE
August 5, 2026
PROMPT POLICE ACTION LEADS TO RECOVERY OF FIREARM, AMMUNITION, AND DEADLY WEAPONS FOLLOWING SCHOOL REPORT INVOLVING A CHILD
The Liloan Municipal Police Station recovered a firearm, ammunition, and other deadly weapons following a prompt and coordinated investigation initiated after school authorities reported that a Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL) had allegedly displayed a firearm in a video shared through a private class group chat.
The incident was immediately reported by the principal of Liloan National High School, prompting the swift response of the station's Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD). Recognizing both the potential risk to public safety and the need to protect the child's rights, investigators, in close coordination with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), conducted a child-sensitive investigation in accordance with Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, as amended.
During the interview, the child voluntarily provided information regarding the firearm seen in the video. Acting on the information gathered, police investigators immediately proceeded to the identified location, where the firearm and other prohibited weapons were voluntarily surrendered.
Recovered during the operation were one (1) snub-nose revolver, five (5) live rounds of ammunition, and one (1) brass knuckles with an improvised knife. The recovered items were immediately inventoried, photographed, properly marked, and placed under the custody of the Liloan Municipal Police Station for safekeeping, forensic examination, and appropriate disposition.
While pursuing the recovery of the firearm and the possible criminal liability of individuals responsible for its unlawful possession, the police ensured that the child remained at the center of a restorative justice approach. Throughout the investigation, the Liloan Municipal Police Station worked closely with the MSWDO, the Department of Education, and the child's parent or guardian to provide the necessary intervention, guidance, and protection mandated under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. Rather than treating the child solely as an offender, authorities recognized the need for rehabilitation, accountability, and reintegration, fundamental principles that seek to prevent children from being drawn deeper into criminal behavior while safeguarding the welfare of the community.
Coordination with the Fi****ms and Explosives Office (FEO) is ongoing to verify the ownership and registration status of the recovered firearm. Further investigation is likewise being conducted to determine the criminal liability of all persons who may have violated Republic Act No. 10591, Presidential Decree No. 9, and other applicable laws.
PCOL ABUBAKAR UDANG MANGELEN JR., Provincial Director of the Cebu Police Provincial Office, emphasized that the successful recovery demonstrates that law enforcement and child protection can go hand in hand. "Our immediate priority was to ensure that the firearm was safely recovered and that any threat to the community was addressed. At the same time, we recognize that children who come into conflict with the law deserve interventions that promote accountability, guidance, and rehabilitation. Through close collaboration with our social workers, educators, and parents, we uphold the principles of restorative justice while remaining steadfast in our commitment to remove loose fi****ms from our communities and hold accountable those who unlawfully possess them," said PCOL MANGELEN.
The Cebu Police Provincial Office remains committed to balancing public safety with the protection of children's rights by ensuring that every intervention involving a child is anchored on the principles of restorative justice, lawful accountability, and meaningful rehabilitation, while continuing its intensified efforts against the proliferation of loose fi****ms throughout the Province of Cebu.
