Two Cebu students face charges following separate security incidents at schools
CEBU CITY — Two students in Cebu are facing legal consequences following separate security incidents at their schools, authorities confirmed. The cases have prompted suspensions and heightened security at the educational institutions involved.
14-year-old found with revolver at school
In Pinamungajan, a 14-year-old student was discovered carrying a firearm while attending classes on the afternoon of Aug. 20, police said. A class adviser found an unloaded .357 Smith & Wesson Magnum revolver inside the student's bag during a surprise inspection at Lut-od National High School in Barangay Lut-od.
The school immediately contacted the Pinamungajan Municipal Police Station. The firearm was later traced to the student's grandfather, who had kept it in a cabinet, according to police. The student was turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.
Col. Abubakar Udang Mangelen Jr., chief of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, commended the school personnel for their response. "This incident demonstrates the importance of vigilance and proactive safety measures inside our schools. We commend the school personnel for immediately reporting the discovery and seeking police assistance. Their prompt action helped ensure that the situation was contained before it could potentially lead to harm," Mangelen said.
21-year-old arrested for threatening mass shooting
In a separate incident, a 21-year-old student of Bantayan National High School was arrested after allegedly threatening to carry out a mass shooting. Police said the suspect used a dummy Facebook account named "Justin Rodriguez" to send the threat through a private message, showing a photo of a firearm and five bullets.
Teachers sought police help, and authorities immediately secured the school. The suspect, a resident of Barangay Bantigue, Bantayan, was later linked to the account. Police said charges for grave threats and unjust vexation will be filed.
Classes suspended at Lut-od National High School
Classes in all grade levels at Lut-od National High School were suspended Monday morning, Aug. 24, 2026, following a shooting threat, according to SunStar Publishing Inc. The school administration immediately sent students home as authorities investigated the threat and took measures to ensure their safety.
Acting School Principal Maribel Cabatuan met with the town's chief of police shortly after the threat was received. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) are coordinating in the investigation and response to the incident, SunStar reported.
The school also heightened security measures to protect students and teachers while the investigation continues. The threat came four days after the 14-year-old Grade 9 student at the school was found carrying a firearm during a bag inspection on August 20.