MANILA, Philippines — Still fresh into the series of violence involving juveniles, another minor, this time a 16-year-old male student from South Cotabato was caught carrying a handgun on Tuesday (July 7), the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.
The motive, the PNP said, was simply “personal gain.”
Police Regional Officer (PRO) 12 reported receiving a report from a local government employee about a male student seen carrying a handgun along the National Highway, Barangay Poblacion, Tupi, South Cotabato.
A patrol team immediately responded and quickly intercepted the reported individual.
Recovered from his possession were a Glock 17, 9mm pistol, one inserted magazine loaded with sixteen live ammunition and one extra magazine loaded with sixteen live ammunition.
Investigation suggested that the gun was a service firearm issued to his older brother who is a member of the Philippine Army and was taken by the minor without his knowledge or consent. The minor was immediately brought to the station, referred to the Women and Children Protection Desk and subsequently turned over to the custody of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Tupi.
Appropriate charges for Violation of RA 10591 are being prepared for filing before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Polomolok, South Cotabato.
Recent cases of juveniles involved in crimes have raised the issue of lowering the age of criminal responsibility in the Philippines which currently is at 15 years old under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
Several personalities including lawmakers shared dissenting opinions on the matter.
