The Philippine National Police said school personnel’s quick response to a theft complaint led to the seizure of suspected kush from two senior high school students inside a public school in Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City on July 1.
According to the PNP, the incident began when school officials looked into reports of a missing cellphone and cash.
During the inquiry, an 18-year-old Grade 11 student allegedly tried to leave the school premises but was stopped by school security personnel.
Police said a subsequent inspection, conducted with responding officers, led to the recovery of an eco-bag containing several sachets of suspected high-grade marijuana, commonly known as kush, and drug paraphernalia.
Authorities said a second student, a 17-year-old child in conflict with the law, was also found with additional sachets allegedly concealed inside a canister.
The PNP said 33 sachets of suspected kush, weighing about 40 grams and valued at around ₱60,000, were recovered.
The 18-year-old student was placed under police custody for the filing of appropriate charges and other legal procedures.
The 17-year-old, meanwhile, was turned over to social welfare authorities and brought to a youth care facility in accordance with child protection laws.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the school administrators, teachers, and security personnel for immediately coordinating with authorities.
“Ang pinakamahalagang mensahe rito ay ang halaga ng maagap na pagkilos. Dahil sa pagiging mapagmatyag ng ating mga guro at school personnel, naagapan ang isang sitwasyon na maaaring magdulot ng mas malaking panganib sa ating mga kabataan. Ipagpatuloy natin ang malapit na ugnayan ng PNP, DepEd, mga magulang, at buong komunidad upang mapanatiling ligtas ang ating mga paaralan,” Nartatez said.
He also called on parents and guardians to remain involved in their children’s lives and urged students to stay away from illegal drugs and seek help from trusted adults when needed.
“Hindi lang trabaho ng pulis ang pagprotekta sa kabataan. Sama-sama nating bantayan sila. Kapag nagkakaisa ang paaralan, pamilya, komunidad, at pamahalaan, mas marami tayong kabataang mailalayo sa ipinagbabawal na droga at masisiguro nating mananatiling ligtas ang kanilang kinabukasan,” he added.
The PNP said the incident highlighted the need for early detection, school vigilance, and close coordination among law enforcement, the Department of Education, local officials, parents, and communities to keep campuses safe from illegal drugs.