World · Philippines Bureau
Police probe gun ownership after seizure from North Cotabato student
Authorities in North Cotabato are investigating conflicting claims over a loaded .45 caliber pistol allegedly recovered from a Grade 12 student at a private school gate this week.
LSN Philippines ·
KORONADAL CITY — Police in Matalam, North Cotabato, are conducting verification procedures to determine the rightful owner of a loaded .45 caliber handgun allegedly seized from a female high school student on October 1.
The firearm was reportedly recovered at the gate of Notre Dame of Matalam during a routine security operation. However, the student and her father have provided conflicting accounts regarding ownership of the weapon, complicating the police investigation.
Lt. Col. Marvin Hugos, chief of the Matalam Municipal Police Station, said authorities are pursuing multiple investigative leads to clarify the circumstances surrounding the seizure and establish legitimate ownership of the pistol.
The incident has raised concerns about weapons security and student safety at educational institutions in the region. Police have not disclosed additional details pending the completion of their ownership verification process.
The case remains under active investigation as authorities work to resolve the competing ownership claims.