Police foil potential shooting plot in Cavite school
Police have stopped a potential shooting attempt involving a Grade 10 student at a public school in General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite.
In a statement, the Cavite Police Provincial Office assured the public that the General Mariano Alvarez Municipal Police Station has "immediately and decisively addressed" the security threat involving the student.
"Acting on information provided by vigilant school officials, police swiftly verified the report and coordinated with the concerned family and barangay officials, which resulted [in] the recovery of an improvised, unregistered firearm," they stated.
The student was then turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for appropriate intervention, in accordance with the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. Since the suspect was only a minor, authorities opted not to reveal their identity.
The case remains under investigation, and the filing of appropriate charges is underway, subject to existing laws.
"This incident highlights the importance of vigilance, timely reporting, and strong collaboration between schools, families, communities, and law enforcement in preventing potential acts of violence before they occur," the Cavite police stressed.
They went on to commend the prompt action of the school authorities and urged the public to "immediately report any threat while refraining from spreading unverified information or disclosing the identity of children involved, as required by law."
"The Cavite PNP remains steadfast in its commitment to protect every learner, every school, and every community through swift action, proactive policing, and unwavering enforcement of the law," they ended.
The incident follows a series of similar reports involving students committing violence.
On June 22, a deadly shooting incident took place in San Jose National High School in Tacloban, where two minors, 15 and 14, went from classroom to classroom shooting at students and teachers. Three students were killed while several others were injured.
Both suspects were arrested on the same day of the shooting. The 15-year-old, who police have found to have "acted with discernment," is facing a criminal complaint. Along with his 14-year-old accomplice, he will undergo an intervention program carried out by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The next day, a 17-year-old Grade 10 student stabbed a Grade 9 student in San Carlos City, Negros, outside school premises. Police reported the victim was injured in the lower right side of his abdomen and was immediately brought to the hospital for treatment. The suspect was arrested shortly after the attack.
On June 25, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police intercepted a planned shooting and stabbing attack against Tolosa National High School in Leyte.