Security at a school in the town of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo was strengthened further after a 15-year-old Grade 10 student was found with a caliber .38 revolver and six bullets.
The incident happened afternoon on June 30, 2026.
Based on police investigation, the student’s teacher received information that the boy was carrying a gun in his bag, which was why the school sought for help immediately from authorities.
“May na-hold silang isang estudyante sa Office of the Guidance Counselor na suspectedly, may dalang armas. Nag-respond ang police and MSWDO. At iyon, chineck ang bag,” said Lt. Col. Arnel Solis, spokesperson of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office.
After the police confiscated the gun and bullets, the school called the boy’s mother to school.
The mother said she felt ill upon learning what happened.
“Nagulat ako na tinawagan ako ng adviser ng anak ko na hindi raw pauuwiin ang anak ko kasi may nakuha na armas sa kanya. Hindi maintindihan ang nararamdaman ko… sumama ang aking pakiramdam,” the mother said.
The woman said her son informed her he has enemies and his friends allegedly mauled him the previous month.
“Ang kanya lang na sinabi, may kaaway siya, may nambugbog sa kanya,” Ruby said.
As investigation into the incident continues, the child was placed under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for intervention.
BACKGROUND
The child grew up with his grandparents since his parents separated 10 years ago. He is the youngest of four children with his mother’s first family.
According to the captain of Barangay Agcuyawan Pulo where the child lives, he has called the boy’s attention several times.
The boy would reportedly drive a tricycle or motorcycle allegedly without a license. Sometimes, he would allegedly drive intoxicated.
“Matagal ko na siyang pinagsabihan kasi ang batang iyan, nagmamaneho ng traysikel, single (na motor), walang lisensya at kung minsan, lasing,” said the captain, Edward Gulmatico.
According to the DepEd Schools Division in Iloilo, the recovery of the items is proof that enhanced safety protocols at the school are working.
“Isa itong rason na nakita natin. Somehow, nagwo-work na talaga ang enhancement ng safety protocols,” said Leonil Salvilla, information officer of DepEd Schools Division of Iloilo.
Schools across the Philippines have tightened their security following the shooting at a school in Tacloban City that killed three students and injured several others. The suspects in the shooting are both students, 14 and 15 years old.
