THE municipal government of Catarman and the administration of Catarman National High School are coordinating with police and social welfare authorities after a 15-year-old student was found in possession of a .45-caliber pistol inside the school premises on Thursday.
The school said the firearm was discovered by a teacher at about 2:10 p.m., prompting her to immediately report the incident to the school principal and authorities for appropriate intervention.
The matter was subsequently reported to the Catarman Municipal Police Station, with chief of police Lt. Col. Alden Dugan proceeding to the school to respond and secure the firearm.
The school said the student’s parents have been cooperating in the investigation while the minor was referred to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for appropriate intervention in accordance with laws and procedures concerning minors.
The school also conducted a focus group discussion.
The PNP likewise conducted a symposium at Catarman National High School covering the negative effects of violent online games and the importance of responsible and safe behavior among students.
The school, meanwhile, said that “no threats were made, no injuries were reported, and the firearm was neither displayed nor used to threaten or harm any member of the school community.” The school principal said that the student remained cooperative throughout the process.
The local government also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and ensure that firearms and other potentially dangerous items are properly secured and kept beyond their reach.
“Our schools, the PNP, the LGU (local government unit) and other agencies continue to work together through coordination, information drives and school-based activities to help prevent incidents that may put our children at risk,” the LGU said.
Both the school and LGU appealed to the public to protect the identity and privacy of the minor and refrain from spreading unverified information, with the LGU stressing that “the continuing efforts to protect our children and keep our schools safe” require the cooperation of the entire community.
