10/07/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B3Z4v6Sok/
𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓
The Department of Education – Schools Division Office of South Cotabato acknowledges the reports circulating on social media regarding the alleged possession of a firearm by a learner of Tupi National High School in Tupi, South Cotabato.
Immediately upon receiving information about the incident, the school promptly coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and reported the matter to the Schools Division Office of South Cotabato in accordance with established DepEd incident reporting and response protocols. Appropriate measures were immediately undertaken to ensure the safety and security of learners, teaching and nonteaching personnel, and the entire school community.
Based on the report submitted by the school, no firearm was recovered within the school premises. The PNP subsequently located the learner allegedly involved outside the school premises, where the appropriate verification and investigation were conducted.
The learner is currently under the custody of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Tupi for appropriate assessment, intervention, and other child protection measures in accordance with existing laws and established protocols. The matter remains under investigation by the Philippine National Police.
The Schools Division Office of South Cotabato is cooperating with the Philippine National Police, who will handle all details regarding the ongoing investigation. Our priority remains ensuring a safe and secure learning environment while fully respecting our learners' rights to due process and the presumption of innocence. Consistent with our learner welfare policies, we are providing the necessary interventions and support services to those affected.
Finally, we urge the public to protect the privacy of the minor involved by refraining from sharing unverified information or disclosing their identity, as mandated by law.
We assure parents, learners, personnel, and the public that the Schools Division Office of South Cotabato will continue to closely coordinate with the law enforcement authorities and the school concerned and will implement all necessary measures to maintain a safe, secure, and conducive learning environment in all our schools.