Culture & Entertainment · Philippines Bureau
Cebu student found with gun returned to family after intervention
A junior high school student in Cebu was returned to his family after being found with a firearm at school, the Philippine National Police confirmed. The minor was initially referred to social workers for intervention under the country's Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
LSN Philippines ·
The student, whose identity was not disclosed due to his minor status, was discovered with a gun in his school bag while on campus. Local authorities immediately took custody of the student and coordinated with social welfare agencies to determine the appropriate course of action.
Under Republic Act No. 9344, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, minors involved in crime-related incidents are typically referred to social workers rather than immediately subjected to criminal proceedings. The law prioritizes rehabilitation and reintegration into the community for juvenile offenders.
The Philippine National Police stated that following assessment and intervention by local social workers, the student was subsequently released back to his family. Further details regarding the circumstances of how the weapon came to be in the student's possession were not disclosed.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about access to firearms among minors in the country and the importance of school security protocols. Authorities have not indicated whether further investigation into the source of the weapon will be pursued.