A routine bag inspection by police officers at the Aparri School of Arts and Trade (ASAT) in Aparri, Cagayan on Friday, June 26, led to the confiscation of a homemade caliber .38 firearm and a kitchen knife from two male students who allegedly admitted they had brought the weapons to school because of personal grudges.

Personnel of the 1st Mobile Force Platoon, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (1MFP, 2NDPMFC) were conducting security duties when they inspected students' backpacks at around 11:28 a.m.

Police said a 15-year-old Grade 10 student yielded a homemade caliber .38 gun while a 14-year-old Grade 8 student had a kitchen knife in his bag.

The inspection was witnessed by Edgar Garcia, School Principal III of ASAT, according to police.

Initial investigation showed that both students had allegedly been cutting classes and cited personal grudges as the reason for bringing the weapons to school.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has tightened campus security in school campuses nationwide following the fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that claimed the lives of three students and injured 20 others.

There were renewed calls for stronger school safety measures across the country and PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has since directed police units to strengthen school security efforts and increase visibility in educational institutions, in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd).

The confiscated homemade firearm and knife were turned over for proper documentation and investigation. Police are also coordinating with school officials to determine whether additional intervention measures will be provided for the students.

Authorities have yet to announce possible charges, considering that both individuals involved are minors.

As the government steps up efforts to improve security in schools, Nartatez said he has directed all regional and local police units to work closely with DepEd officials in implementing measures that would help protect students, teachers, and school personnel.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara on Thursday, June 25, held a multi-agency meeting with the PNP, National Bureau of Investigation, and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) to discuss recent incidents of school violence and their potential relation to minors’ exposure to online gaming platforms, social media, and nihilistic violent extremism.

“The PNP fully supports the directives of President Marcos Jr. and Secretary Angara to strengthen school safety nationwide. We have directed all police regional and local units to closely coordinate with DepEd officials, conduct security assessments, increase police visibility around schools, and actively participate in intelligence sharing and threat monitoring efforts,” Nartatez said.

Among the measures announced by Angara are a nationwide school safety audit, increased police presence around schools, a review of existing safety policies, and funding for security equipment and infrastructure upgrades.

“Our goal is to help create a safe and secure learning environment where students can focus on their education without fear,” Nartatez said.

In support of the DepEd program, the PNP chief instructed all police regional offices and local units to assist school officials in conducting security assessments and implementing preventive measures.

“Our approach is community-oriented and preventive rather than intrusive. Police officers deployed near schools will engage with students, teachers, and parents in a professional and approachable manner, focusing on safety, trust building, and rapid response to concerns,” Nartatez said.

“We want our presence to provide reassurance and confidence, not anxiety, while ensuring that potential threats are deterred before they escalate,” he added.

Further, the PNP also backed a government review of “violent” video games, saying repeated exposure to such content may increase the risk of copycat behavior among vulnerable minors.

Nartatez said the police organization supports an evidence-based study on the possible effects of violent video games on children and adolescents. To recall, one of the shooters in the Tacloban incident was allegedly hooked on playing Gorebox, which supposedly exposed him to violent content.

“The Philippine National Police supports a thorough and evidence-based study of the possible effects of violent video games on children and adolescents. We believe any proposal, including restrictions or a ban, should be carefully evaluated by Congress and relevant agencies to ensure that policies are grounded in research and the best interests of our youth,” Nartatez said.

“While violent behavior is often driven by multiple factors, we cannot ignore the possibility that certain forms of content may contribute to the normalization of violence and increase the risk of imitation or copycat behavior,” he added.

Nartatez stressed that the PNP is not drawing conclusions on the causes of violent acts. He explained that the organization recognizes that youth violence is influenced by several factors but believes possible links between media exposure and harmful behavior should be examined.

To support the government's efforts, Nartatez directed the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to monitor publicly accessible online spaces where school violence, copycat attacks, or violent extremist content may be glorified.

“We encourage parents, schools, and communities to take an active role in monitoring children's online activities and promoting responsible digital engagement. Protecting our youth requires a whole-of-society approach involving families, educators, law enforcement, and policymakers,” Nartatez said.