A 13-year-old Grade 8 student was found carrying a 9mm pistol and eight rounds of ammunition inside a school in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat, on Monday morning, November 9, 2026, prompting police intervention and renewed concerns over school safety and the presence of firearms among minors.
The firearm was discovered during a routine security inspection at the school’s guardhouse while police personnel were conducting a visibility patrol and school visitation. According to initial reports, the student voluntarily opened his bag when asked to undergo inspection, allowing school personnel and authorities to discover the pistol and eight rounds of ammunition inside.
The school administration immediately notified authorities following the discovery to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and other school personnel.
The minor was subsequently brought to the President Quirino Municipal Police Station and referred to its Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) for appropriate intervention and handling. The student’s mother was also present as authorities processed the incident in accordance with applicable laws and procedures governing the protection and rights of children in conflict with the law.
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Authorities have yet to disclose where the firearm came from, who owns it, or how it ended up in the possession of the 13-year-old student. It also remains unclear why the student brought the weapon and ammunition to school.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are expected to be investigated further, particularly the possible source of the firearm and whether other individuals may have been involved in making it accessible to the minor.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized the importance of cooperation among schools, parents, security personnel, and police authorities in maintaining safe learning environments and preventing threats to students.
School clarifies incident did not happen at President Quirino National High School
Following public discussions and possible confusion over the identity of the school involved, President Quirino National High School (PQNHS) issued an official statement on November 11, clarifying that the firearm-related incident did not occur within its premises.
The school said it understood the public’s concern but stressed that it should not be associated with the incident through inaccurate assumptions or reports. It also reaffirmed its commitment to implementing strict security measures and programs to protect students and personnel.
PQNHS urged the public to verify information through reliable and official sources before sharing reports or making comments that could create unnecessary alarm or misinformation.
The clarification is important as the incident has drawn attention to school security in President Quirino. While the recovery of a firearm and ammunition from a minor warrants serious attention, authorities must establish the full circumstances through a proper investigation rather than allowing speculation to take the place of verified information.
The incident underscores the importance of effective school security, responsible firearm ownership and storage, parental supervision, and cooperation between educational institutions and law enforcement agencies to prevent weapons from reaching children and entering school premises.