ILOILO — A Grade 10 student who entered a public high school in Barotac Nuevo town carrying a loaded .38-caliber revolver has triggered heightened security measures across schools in the province, with education officials ordering psychological intervention and tighter campus security while police continue investigating how the firearm reached the campus.
The 15-year-old student, identified only as alias “Toto”, was found carrying the loaded firearm with six rounds of ammunition after his class adviser inspected his school bag on June 30 at Barotac Nuevo National Comprehensive High School.
A concerned classmate alerted their class adviser after seeing the gun.
School officials immediately alerted the Barotac Nuevo Municipal Police Station, whose personnel responded and secured the weapon before any harm could occur.
The student said he carried the gun because he feared for his safety after allegedly being assaulted by two acquaintances earlier this month.
“I only intended it for self-defense,” Toto said in an interview.
He claimed having been attacked by the two acquaintances at the town plaza on June 9, leaving him with a bleeding nose and forcing him to seek police assistance before receiving medical treatment.
“When they beat me up, I tried to forget about it, but it kept coming back to my mind. I kept thinking they might get to me first and kill me,” he said in Hiligaynon.
According to the student, the revolver had been left behind by his father about five years ago before leaving for Mindanao.
The boy’s parents are separated and he is left to the care of his grandfather in Barangay Agcawayan Pulo, Barotac Nuevo.
Toto also claimed that one of the youths allegedly involved in the assault had previously been expelled from school for carrying a knife.
INTERVENTION
The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Iloilo immediately ordered psychological intervention for the learner and launched a fact-finding investigation into the incident.
SDO Iloilo information officer Leonil Salvilla said the division also directed schools to strengthen security protocols while investigators determine how the firearm entered the campus and whether any lapses in school security occurred. Pending the investigation, the student has been placed under modular learning.
According to Salvilla, the metal detector being operated by the school security guard at the gate of Barotac Nuevo National Comprehensive High School failed to detect the gun in Toto’s bag.
SDO Iloilo officer-in-charge Dr. Ruby Therese Almencion herself said, “Consistent with DepEd guidance, schools are expected to regularly revisit security protocols and reinforce preventive mechanisms to ensure safer learning environments.”
The Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) said the teenager, who is considered a child in conflict with the law (CICL), was processed using child-sensitive procedures before being turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The revolver and six live rounds remain under police custody for documentation and appropriate legal action.
CLOSE COORDINATION
PRO-6 director Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said the incident highlighted the importance of close coordination between schools and law enforcement authorities.
“The most important thing is that our students and teachers remained safe,” Tuaño said.
“This incident demonstrates that effective coordination between schools and the police works. Whenever a situation arises that could threaten the safety of our children, it is vital that it is immediately reported to authorities so potential danger can be prevented,” he added.
Tuaño also appealed to parents to remain actively involved in monitoring their children’s welfare.
“School safety is everyone’s responsibility. Through the cooperation of parents, schools, communities, and law enforcement agencies, we can keep our learning environments safe for our children,” he said.
Barotac Nuevo’s Mayor Bryant Paul Biron likewise called for stronger security in public schools and urged authorities to determine accountability.
“It is deeply concerning that a student was able to bring a firearm onto the campus of one of our public schools,” Biron said.
He commended school officials, teachers, and police officers for their swift response, saying their immediate coordination prevented a potentially more serious incident.
Biron renewed his appeal for the Department of Education to create permanent plantilla positions for school security personnel.
“It is time for DepEd to invest in permanent plantilla positions for security personnel in all public schools. The installation of CCTV cameras and other security infrastructure should likewise be prioritized,” he said.
He added that existing school safety protocols, learner protection measures, and crisis response guidelines should be strengthened through closer collaboration among schools, local government units, police, and other agencies.
“The welfare and safety of our children are a shared responsibility of parents, schools, government institutions, and the community. There is no place for fear and violence in our schools,” Biron said.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the source of the firearm and whether other individuals may be held liable in connection with the incident.
‘APPROACH WITH CARE’
In a statement, SDO Iloilo stated, “We understand the concerns of parents, learners, and community members whenever incidents involving school safety occur. While the situation was promptly contained through the coordinated efforts of learners, school personnel, and concerned authorities, it reminds us that school safety is not solely about physical security measures. It is equally about ensuring that learners are supported, protected, heard, and provided with the guidance they need. Safe schools require both secure campuses and supported learners.”
It added: “We emphasize that incidents involving children should be approached with care, responsibility, and compassion. We urge the public to refrain from speculation, spreading unverified information, or disclosing details that may identify the learner involved.”
SDO Iloilo assured parents that it “remains committed to strengthening school safety measures, learner protection mechanisms, guidance and counseling services, mental health support, and partnerships with families, local governments, law enforcement agencies, and communities. Protecting children is a shared responsibility, and meaningful prevention requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders.”/PN
