Student found with gun in Tupi, South Cotabato

Authorities intercepted a 16-year-old male student carrying a gun along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion, Tupi, South Cotabato.

According to the Police Regional Office-SOCCSKSARGEN (PRO-12), police received information from a local government employee about the student on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Police officers responded and found the student with a 9mm pistol with two magazines containing live ammunition.

Based on investigation, the gun was issued to a family member who is an authorized gun holder.

Authorities said the student allegedly obtained the firearm without the owner's knowledge or consent.

The student was brought to the police station and turned over later to the custody of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) for proper intervention.

"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," PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

Police urged the public to report any information 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 added. — GMA Regional TV