10/07/2026
PNP RESPONDS TO REPORT, RECOVERS FIREARM FROM MINOR IN SOUTH COTABATO
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recovered an issued service firearm from a 16-year-old student after police responded to a report of an individual allegedly carrying a handgun along the National Highway in Barangay Poblacion, Tupi, South Cotabato, on July 7, 2026.
According to the report submitted by Police Regional Office 12, Tupi Municipal Police Station received information from a local government employee regarding a male student allegedly carrying a handgun in the area. A police patrol team immediately responded and intercepted the individual.
The 16-year-old student was found carrying a 9mm pistol with two magazines containing live ammunition.
Initial investigation disclosed that the recovered firearm was an issued service firearm belonging to a family member who is an authorized firearm holder. The firearm was allegedly accessed by the minor without the owner’s knowledge or consent.
The student was immediately brought to the Tupi Municipal Police Station, referred to the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), and was later turned over to the custody of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Tupi for proper intervention and appropriate disposition.
Appropriate legal action is being pursued in coordination with concerned authorities following the recovery of the firearm.
Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. reminded licensed firearm holders and their families to strictly observe proper storage and handling of fi****ms to prevent unauthorized access and possible accidents.
“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,” PGen Nartatez said.
The Chief PNP also called on parents and guardians to remain vigilant and actively guide their children, particularly by maintaining open communication and being aware of their activities and surroundings.
“Sa mga magulang at tagapag-alaga, mahalaga ang patuloy na paggabay at pakikipag-usap sa ating mga anak. Ang simpleng pag-alam kung nasaan sila at kung ano ang kanilang ginagawa ay malaking hakbang upang maiwasan ang anumang hindi kanais-nais na pangyayari,” he added.
The PNP likewise appealed to the public to immediately report any information involving unauthorized possession, carrying, or improper handling of fi****ms.
“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,” CPNP Nartatez emphasized.
The PNP remains committed to strengthening its campaign on responsible firearm ownership, crime prevention, and community partnership as part of the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)