A 14-year-old student was found with a gun in his bag in the town of Pinamungajan while a 21-year-old man was arrested over a shooting threat he made against a school in Bantayan Island in Cebu. 

In the western town of Pinamungajan, utility personnel of Lut-od National High School found the gun in the student's bag during surprise inspection afternoon on August 20, 2026.

The school inspects the bags of students to ensure they are not bringing items into the school that can be used for violent acts.

The school administrator sought help from the police immediately after the gun was found.

Authorities found out later that the gun, a .357 magnum revolver, did not contain bullets. It is also unlicensed. 

The student said the gun is owned by his grandfather and he took it from the man's cabinet.

The grandfather has been the student’s guardian.

The student was placed under the care of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWD) as authorities await for his parents' to return to Cebu.

BANTAYAN INCIDENT

Meanwhile, a 21-year-old man in Bantayan Island in northern Cebu was arrested after he was identified to be the source of a shooting threat against Bantayan National High School - Senior High School.

He made the threat by sending a photo of a gun alongside a message that he would fire shots inside the school. The message, which was sent online, alarmed teachers and students.

The school’s administration reported the matter immediately to the police, and the police traced the threat to the suspect.

The suspect is facing charges for unjust vexation in relation to the cybercrime prevention act of 2012.

Cebu Police Provincial Director, Col. Abubakar Isang Mangelen, Jr., said threats against schools will not be taken lightly and those responsible for making those threats will be held accountable.

“The safety of our students, teachers, and school personnel is non-negotiable. We will not take any threat against our schools lightly. Our police personnel are directed to respond immediately, validate every report, and take appropriate action to prevent threats from escalating,” he said.