A routine bag inspection at the Aparri School of Arts and Trade (ASAT) on Friday, June 26, led police to confiscate a homemade .38 caliber firearm and a kitchen knife from two male students, the latest incident to test tightened school security protocols rolled out across the country after the deadly shooting in Tacloban City.
Personnel of the 1st Mobile Force Platoon, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company were conducting security duties when they inspected students’ backpacks at around 11:28 a.m. A 15-year-old Grade 10 student was found with the homemade firearm, while a 14-year-old Grade 8 student was carrying the kitchen knife, according to the Philippine National Police. The inspection was witnessed by school principal Edgar Garcia.
Initial investigation showed that both students had been cutting classes and told authorities they brought the weapons to school because of personal grudges, the PNP said. The Manila Bulletin reported that the two allegedly admitted carrying the weapons for that reason, though accounts of whether the students contested ownership have varied across outlets. The News5 report accompanying images of the seized weapons said the students strongly denied that the recovered items belonged to them.
The confiscated firearm and knife were turned over for documentation and investigation. Authorities have yet to announce possible charges, as both individuals are minors. Police said they are coordinating with school officials to determine whether additional intervention measures will be provided for the students.
The seizure comes amid a nationwide push to strengthen campus security following the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where three students were killed and 20 others wounded by two minor suspects. In its aftermath, Education Secretary Sonny Angara ordered stricter enforcement of security protocols under DepEd Order No. 006, series of 2026, which mandates a review of school entry points, routine bag and vehicle inspections, and the deployment of CCTV systems and metal detectors.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed police units to coordinate with the Department of Education, conduct security assessments, and increase visibility around schools. Aparri’s vocational school, established in 1928, is one of the oldest in northern Cagayan.
