DepEd, cops probe alleged gun threat at Baguio school

BAGUIO CITY — A 13-year-old Grade 8 student allegedly pointed an unserviceable firearm at a classmate at Lucban Integrated School on Wednesday, Sept. 16, prompting an investigation by the Department of Education (DepEd) Baguio and the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO).

The incident, which involved three learners, happened in the morning, according to school principal Dr. Felto Agpawa.

The incident was reported by a student to a parent through text, prompting the parent to inform a teacher. The teacher reported it to Agpawa at 12:40 p.m., and the school notified BCPO Station 2 at 1:50 p.m.

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Police subsequently launched an investigation, while the school referred the students involved to guidance counselors for psychosocial assessment, psychological first aid and other support.

The learners were later referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) after the psychological assessment recommended further observation.

Agpawa said the students remain under close monitoring by guidance counselors. Most have returned to school, except the alleged suspect.BCPO City Director Police Col. Nixon Laoyan said the firearm allegedly used was unserviceable and was not owned by the police or any other uniformed personnel.

Laoyan said the investigation is ongoing and those found responsible would be dealt with accordingly.

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The social media post that prompted the discussion also raised concerns about security checks at the school, claiming that junior high school students undergo more thorough bag inspections while elementary pupils are subjected only to visual checks.

Agpawa said the school, which has 2,399 learners and is the second-largest school in the city, has only one security guard on duty for the entire day.

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DepEd Baguio Learners’ Rights and Protection Office focal person Jerry Ymson said the school has taken measures to strengthen campus security, including its partnership with the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) under the Kaagapay Task Force Program established through DepEd Memorandum No. 02, s. 2026.

Under the program, parent volunteers assist within school premises during busy periods and breaks.

The same social media post also alleged that a Grade 3 pupil pointed a knife at another pupil and that the incident was not reported to the school principal.

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Agpawa denied that the alleged knife incident occurred as described in the post. /das