The Philippine National Police recovered an issued service firearm from a 16-year-old student in Tupi, South Cotabato, after authorities responded to a report of a person allegedly carrying a handgun.
According to Police Regional Office 12, the Tupi Municipal Police Station received information from a local government employee on July 7, 2026, about a male student allegedly carrying a firearm along the National Highway in Barangay Poblacion.
A police patrol team responded to the area and intercepted the minor.
Police said the student was found carrying a 9mm pistol with two magazines loaded with live ammunition.
Initial investigation showed that the firearm was an issued service handgun belonging to a family member who was an authorized firearm holder. Police said the minor allegedly accessed the firearm without the owner’s knowledge or consent.
The student was brought to the Tupi Municipal Police Station and referred to the Women and Children Protection Desk. He was later turned over to the custody of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Tupi for proper intervention and disposition.
Police said appropriate legal action is being pursued in coordination with concerned agencies following the recovery of the firearm.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. reminded licensed firearm holders to strictly observe proper storage and handling protocols to prevent unauthorized access, especially by minors.
“Ang pagkakaroon ng baril ay may kasamang malaking responsibilidad. Hindi sapat na ito ay lisensyado lamang; dapat tiyakin din na ito ay ligtas na nakatago at hindi maaabot ng mga walang awtoridad na gumamit, lalo na ng mga kabataan,” Nartatez said.
Nartatez also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, maintain open communication with their children, and monitor their activities and surroundings.
“Sa mga magulang at tagapag-alaga, mahalaga ang patuloy na paggabay at pakikipag-usap sa ating mga anak. Ang simpleng pag-alam kung nasaan sila at kung ano ang kanilang ginagawa ay malaking hakbang upang maiwasan ang anumang hindi kanais-nais na pangyayari,” he said.
The PNP also appealed to the public to report incidents involving unauthorized possession, carrying, or improper handling of firearms.
“Ang kaligtasan ng komunidad ay responsibilidad ng bawat isa. Makipagtulungan tayo sa mga awtoridad upang mapanatiling ligtas ang ating mga tahanan at pamayanan. Ang bawat impormasyong maibabahagi sa pulisya ay maaaring makatulong upang maiwasan ang trahedya,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said it will continue strengthening its campaign on responsible firearm ownership, crime prevention, and community partnership.