Photo shows the classroom where the student reportedly took a gun from his bag, pointed it through the classroom window, and fired it indiscriminately. - Contributed photo
CEBU CITY, (Philippines): A 12-year-old Grade 7 student was placed under the care of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, after he fired indiscriminately inside their classroom at Negros Oriental High School on Friday (Oct 11).
The incident was confirmed by Major Fortunato Villafuerte, deputy chief of the Dumaguete Police Station.
He said they received the report at around 12.42pm.
Based on their investigation, the student took a gun from his bag, pointed it through the classroom window, and fired it indiscriminately.
Fortunately, no one was harmed during the incident.
"Currently, it is being assessed by the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) but it will be handled by our social welfare in Dumaguete City," Villafuerte said.
The police recovered one empty shell and the.45 caliber pistol used by the minor from the crime scene.
Villafuerte stated they are currently determining the owner of the firearm.
"We requested our Firearms Explosives Security Service Agency and Guards Supervisory Section (FESSAGS) for firearms verification who really owns the firearm," he added.
He suspects that the firearm might belong to the minor’s relatives and was taken without consent.
Since the person involved is a minor, Villafuerte said that the parents might be held liable for the child’s actions.
"It is possible that this can be passed on to the parents if they are negligent as to why the child has access to the weapon," he said.
Villafuerte urged school management to inspect students’ bags before allowing them to enter the premises to prevent the entry of contraband.
"As for our parents, they must also guide their children so that they don't get into trouble and commit any wrongdoing," he said.
Earlier, the school denied the incident in their official statement, contrary to the information circulating online. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
