06/07/2026
PNP, DEPED STRENGTHENS SCHOOL SAFETY EFFORTS, RECOVERS ILLEGAL FIREARM AND KNIFE FROM STUDENTS IN APARRI
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its efforts to keep schools safe after police personnel recovered an unlicensed firearm and a bladed weapon from two minors during a school safety activity at a public school in Aparri, Cagayan on June 26, 2026.
Prior to the activity, personnel of the 1st Maneuver Force Company, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company coordinated with the school principal. While at the principal's office, the operating personnel encountered three students who were reportedly being investigated by school authorities for cutting classes. Before conducting the scheduled school patrol, police personnel inspected the students' belongings after obtaining their consent.
During the inspection, police recovered one caliber .38 revolver without a serial number, loaded with two live rounds of caliber .38 ammunition and wrapped inside two face towels in the bag of a 15-year-old Grade 10 student. A bladed weapon was likewise recovered from the bag of a 14-year-old Grade 8 student.
The recovered items were immediately marked, inventoried, and photographed at the scene in the presence of the minors, their parents, and barangay officials serving as witnesses before being brought to the Aparri Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and disposition.
Initial investigation indicated that the incident was related to class-cutting. In accordance with established child protection protocols, the parents of all three minors were immediately notified and invited to the school.
The 15-year-old who was found in possession of the firearm was turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) for appropriate assessment, including the determination of discernment under existing laws. The 14-year-old who was found carrying the bladed weapon was likewise referred to the MSWDO for the appropriate intervention program and disposition. Meanwhile, the other 15-year-old student, who was not found in possession of any prohibited item, was released to the custody of his parents in the presence of the school principal.
The incident comes amid recent cases involving students and weapons in schools, underscoring the importance of sustained cooperation among law enforcement, school officials, parents, and communities to prevent violence and ensure a secure learning environment.
The operation reflects the continuing partnership between the PNP and the Department of Education in strengthening school safety programs. It is also in line with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which promotes proactive policing, crime prevention, and close coordination with stakeholders in support of the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide safe spaces for learners across the country.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating personnel and underscored the importance of proactive policing in keeping schools safe.
"Ang mabilis at maayos na pagtugon ng ating mga pulis, kasama ang school authorities, ay nakatulong upang maagapan ang isang sitwasyong maaaring magdulot ng panganib sa loob ng paaralan. Patunay ito na ang maagang intervention at malapit na koordinasyon ay mahalaga sa pagpapanatiling ligtas ng ating mga estudyante. Kasama ang DepEd, mga magulang, at buong komunidad, patuloy nating titiyakin na mananatiling ligtas ang bawat eskwelahan," the Chief PNP said.
"Our objective is not simply to recover prohibited items but to prevent harm and guide our young people toward better choices. We will continue working closely with schools and our partners to ensure that every learner can study in a safe and secure environment," he added.
The PNP reaffirms its commitment to working hand in hand with the Department of Education, local government units, and the community in safeguarding schools and nurturing a culture of safety, respect, and responsibility, in keeping with Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)
