Photo credit: PNP

APARRI, Cagayan — Two Grade 10 students from Aparri School of Arts and Trade were caught carrying a caliber .38 firearm and a kitchen knife during a surprise security inspection inside their school on Friday morning, June 26.

Personnel from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) conducted the inspection at around 11 a.m., leading to the discovery of the weapons in the students' possession.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the students admitted during the initial investigation that they had brought the gun and knife because they planned to cut classes and were involved in a personal grudge.

Authorities withheld the identities of the minors in compliance with laws protecting children.

Police have taken custody of the recovered firearm and knife as investigators continue to determine how the students obtained the weapon and whether other individuals may be held accountable under existing laws.

The incident comes just days after a series of school-related violent incidents across the country, including the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City and separate stabbing cases in Cavite, prompting authorities to tighten security in and around schools.

In response, the PNP has increased police visibility around schools, intensified preventive patrols, and strengthened coordination with school officials to help prevent weapons from being brought onto campuses.

School officials are expected to coordinate with the students' parents and the appropriate child protection authorities as the investigation continues. Police have yet to announce whether charges or administrative sanctions will be filed in connection with the incident.