MATALAM, Cotabato — A routine security inspection inside the premises of Notre Dame of Matalam led to the recovery of a caliber .45 pistol and the intervention of police to protect a 17-year-old Grade 12 student on October 1, 2026.
The incident happened at around 7:30 a.m. when personnel of the Matalam Municipal Police Station (Matalam MPS), together with the school’s duty security guard, conducted police visibility and security monitoring within the school grounds. The activity was part of efforts to strengthen security and help ensure the safety of students, teachers and other school personnel.
During the routine inspection of students and motorcycles entering the school, the security guard discovered a black sling bag inside the compartment box of a black-and-gray Honda Click motorcycle. Inside the bag was a Model 1911 U.S. Army caliber .45 pistol, together with one magazine loaded with eight rounds of caliber .45 ammunition.
The motorcycle was reportedly being driven by a 17-year-old Grade 12 student, identified by police as alias “LJEM,” a resident of Purok 4, Barangay Sanggadong, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Upon discovering the firearm, the security guard immediately alerted police personnel who were already in the area. Responding officers secured the firearm and ammunition and intervened to ensure the minor’s safety.
Police said the student was subsequently brought to the Matalam MPS for assessment, documentation and appropriate intervention. The process was undertaken in coordination with the student’s parents or guardians and concerned authorities, in accordance with existing laws and procedures governing children in conflict with the law.
Initial police inquiry indicated that the firearm allegedly belonged to the student’s father. Authorities said the father reportedly forgot to remove the firearm from the motorcycle before the minor used the vehicle to travel to school.
The firearm and ammunition were placed under police custody for proper documentation, verification and disposition. Matalam MPS is also coordinating with the school administration and other concerned police units as authorities continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the presence of the firearm inside the school premises.
The incident highlights the importance of routine security checks in schools, particularly inspections involving vehicles and belongings entering school grounds. In this case, the immediate discovery and reporting by the school security guard allowed police personnel to intervene before the situation could potentially escalate.
Police Regional Office 12 Regional Director PBGEN Alan B. Manibog commended the school security personnel and Matalam police officers for their prompt response, particularly their efforts to secure the firearm and prioritize the safety and welfare of the minor.
Authorities continue to verify the circumstances of the incident, including the ownership and handling of the firearm, while ensuring that the rights and welfare of the minor are protected throughout the process.