A 14-year-old boy who allegedly robbed a school died when he allegedly shot himself accidentally during a scuffle with the school watchman in Lantapan, Bukidnon.

Police said the 45-year-old watchman reportedly confronted the boy after seeing him inside the principal’s office of Alanib Elementary School carrying a welding machine and a grinder belonging to the school.

The watchman reportedly claimed that the boy fought back and drew a firearm, a caliber .38 revolver, which led to a scuffle.

“Sa mga gamit, nag-agawan sila, eventually, itong minor may bitbit pala na 38 revolver. So, in the course of grappling nilang dalawa, nakalabit nitong bata ang armas niya, in which, eventually, na-accidental (firing) itong bata, natamaan sa katawan niya,” Bukidnon Police Provincial Office Spokesperson, Major Jayvee Babaan, said.

Police said the watchman was not armed, according to the teachers.

“Base po sa mga teachers ng school, wala po talagang armas itong watchman nila and mag-follow up kami for further investigation para ma-check natin; may clarity sa said incident,” Babaan added.

The boy died in the hospital.

The watchman was taken into police custody but was released later.

Police said the family of the boy is considering filing a complaint after they spoke with the boy's mother. The family will focus first on the boy's burial before pursuing a homicide case against the watchman.

The boy’s family reportedly admitted to authorities that they were aware of the boy’s previous involvement in theft incidents.

When authorities arrived at the scene, they found classrooms in disarray, doors forcibly opened, and tools scattered around, including the .38 revolver.

The school principal confirmed this was not the first time the boy entered into the school. The boy was a transferee and his status was pending.

“Nisulod siya og clinic nato, nisulod sa opisina, nisulod sa classroom, where in fact sa wala pako naabot dinhi niadtong July 7 naa na’y mga previous incident nga kawat, robbery gyud duha ka rooms ang nakuhaan og tag-isa gyud ka TV,” the school principal, Budgette Rosas, said.

Police are also looking into whether the firearm indeed belonged to the boy.