Philippine police successfully intercepted a 16-year-old student attempting to bring an Army-issued Glock 17 9mm handgun into his school in Tupi, South Cotabato.

The incident occurred on July 7 when a government employee alerted authorities after observing the minor walking along the National Highway with the weapon.A patrol team stopped the teenager before he reached the campus, recovering the firearm along with two loaded magazines containing 32 rounds.The weapon belonged to the student's older brother, an active Philippine Army soldier assigned to the 6th Infantry Battalion.Authorities confirmed the minor took the gun without his brother's knowledge, claiming it was for self-defense.The student was referred to the Women and Children Protection Desk and transferred to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.Police are preparing charges under Republic Act 10591, which regulates firearms and ammunition.PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.praised the local employee's tip, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in school safety.

The Philippine Army has launched an investigation into how a service weapon ended up in the hands of a teenager, vowing to hold accountable any negligence in firearm handling.This incident follows a recent school shooting in Tacloban City, highlighting ongoing concerns about campus security in the Philippines.