Cops probe student in Cotabato after gun found in her motorcycle

COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — Police are investigating a 17-year-old female student after a loaded .45-caliber pistol was found inside the compartment of the motorcycle she drove to school in Matalam, Cotabato province, last week.

Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog, director of the Police Regional Office 12 in Soccsksargen, said the firearm was discovered on the morning of Oct. 1 by a security guard at Notre Dame of Matalam.

According to an initial report, the gun was found inside a black sling bag placed in the motorcycle’s compartment box.

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Further investigation indicated that the firearm allegedly belonged to the student’s father, who reportedly forgot to remove it from the motorcycle before his daughter used it to go to school.

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The security guard immediately alerted police officers conducting a security patrol near the school as part of efforts to ensure the safety of students, teachers and school personnel.

READ: Student found carrying firearm inside Northern Samar school

Police identified the seized firearm as a Model 1911 US Army .45-caliber pistol with a magazine containing eight rounds of ammunition.

The motorcycle was driven by a Grade 12 student residing in Purok 4, Barangay Sanggadong in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

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“The responding officers secured the firearm and ammunition and rescued the minor from the situation, prioritizing her safety and welfare,” Manibog said in a statement.

The student was brought to the Matalam Municipal Police Station for assessment, documentation and appropriate intervention, in coordination with her parents and concerned authorities.

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Lt. Col. Marvin Hugos, Matalam police chief, said the recovered firearm and ammunition had been secured. /cb