Culture & Entertainment · Philippines Bureau
Teen student arrested after loaded pistol discovered in motorcycle
Police in Cotabato have launched an investigation into a 17-year-old high school student after authorities uncovered a loaded .45-caliber handgun hidden in her motorcycle's compartment. The weapon was found when the student arrived at school in Matalam last week.
LSN Philippines ·
COTABATO CITY — Law enforcement authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are investigating a minor student following the discovery of an illegal firearm at a local school.
The loaded .45-caliber pistol was found concealed in the motorcycle compartment of the 17-year-old girl as she reported to classes in Matalam, Cotabato province, last week. Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog, director of the Police Regional Office 12 covering Soccsksargen, confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing into how the student obtained the weapon and her intent in bringing it to the educational institution.
The discovery raises fresh concerns about firearm security and access among young people in the region. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether charges have been filed against the student or revealed additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The case underscores ongoing security challenges facing schools in Mindanao and renewed calls for stricter regulations on illegal weapons and youth access to firearms.