By Perla Lena
ILOILO CITY – The Department of Education Schools Division Office (DepEd-SDO) Iloilo has implemented interventions after a firearm was found inside the backpack of a Grade 10 learner in a public school on Tuesday afternoon.
DepEd-SDO Iloilo said the incident was managed “swiftly and peacefully”.
“No threats were made, no injuries were reported, and no member of the school community was harmed. The learner remained cooperative throughout the process,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.
Psychological first aid providers have been deployed to support affected learners and personnel, while coordination has been strengthened with the Philippine National Police, local government units and social welfare offices for response and intervention measures.
The school is reviewing the incident and its security protocols.
The DepEd urged the public to avoid speculation and sharing unverified or identifying information, citing due process and the child’s welfare.
Barotac Nuevo Mayor Bryant Paul Biron called the incident “deeply concerning and serves as a serious reminder that the safety of our children can never be taken for granted.”
He appreciated the school’s swift response in enhancing security measures following the recent Tacloban incident.
“Their proactive response made the early detection of this incident possible,” Biron said in a post on Facebook.
He urged the DepEd to create plantilla positions for school security personnel and install CCTV systems in public schools.
Police Regional Office 6 said a .38-caliber revolver loaded with six live rounds was recovered from the learner’s bag and turned over to authorities.
The 15-year-old has been referred to the local social welfare office, while the firearm remains in police custody for documentation and legal action. (PNA)
