A loaded caliber .45 pistol was found inside the motorcycle of a 17-year-old female student during a security inspection at Notre Dame of Matalam in North Cotabato on Thursday, police said.
Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog, Police Regional Office-12 director, said a school security guard found the firearm inside a black sling bag in the motorcycle’s compartment box. The motorcycle was driven by the Grade 12 student, identified by the alias ‘Ljem,’ in Barangay Poblacion, Matalam.
The firearm, a Model 1911 U.S. Army caliber .45 pistol, had a magazine containing eight rounds. Police personnel secured it and brought the student to the Matalam Municipal Police Station for assessment and intervention.
Police said the firearm allegedly belonged to the student’s father, who reportedly forgot to remove it from the motorcycle before his daughter drove it to school. Authorities are determining whether the firearm is licensed and whether the father is a licensed gun owner.
Lt. Col. Marvin Hugos, Matalam police chief, said the firearm and ammunition were secured for documentation, verification and disposition. Police said the investigation was being conducted cautiously to avoid causing further trauma to the student.