The Gun in the Classroom: A Morning That Shook Catarman National High School

by Miriam G. Desacada

CATARMAN, Northern Samar — It was supposed to be just another Wednesday morning at Catarman National High School, when 15-year-old sat quietly at his desk. Inside his bag was not just notebooks and pens — but a .45-caliber pistol with no serial number, four magazines, and 10 live rounds.

Less  than 5,000 students in their uniforms filled the corridors of Barangay Dalakit, the chalk dust still fresh, the first subject just beginning. But in one classroom on October 1, a secret was weighing heavier than any schoolbag.

It was a classmate who noticed first. An uneasy bulge. A whispered confession. Fear, more than curiosity, made the student stand up and approach his teacher.

“Ma’am, may dala siyang baril.”

Those five words changed the rhythm of the entire school.

The teacher, trying to stay calm in front of dozens of teenagers, immediately stepped out and alerted the school administration. Within minutes, the administration made the call that no school ever wants to make — to the Catarman Municipal Police Station.

Police authorities  arrived discreetly, not wanting to cause panic. They entered the classroom and approached the minor. There was no resistance. When they searched his belongings, they found what they were told — a cold, heavy pistol, its serial number erased, loaded and ready, along with four magazines and ten bullets.

When asked, the boy’s voice trembled. He said it was his father’s.

The weapon was immediately seized. The boy was not handcuffed like a criminal. Personnel from the Women and Children Protection Desk stepped in, speaking to him gently, as the law requires for a child in conflict with the law. He was then turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) for assessment and intervention.

Outside, classes went on. No suspension was declared. But inside the faculty room, teachers were shaken. How did a gun pass through the school gates? How close were we to a tragedy?

The incident has reopened a fresh wound in Eastern Visayas. Just three months ago, on June 22, San Jose National High School in Tacloban City was rocked by a deadly shooting that left the region asking how safe our schools really are.

Today, Catarman got its own warning. It was not a shooting. No one was hurt. No trigger was pulled.

But a gun made it inside a classroom full of children.

And for the parents waiting outside the gates of the region’s biggest high school, that is drama enough — a reminder that vigilance can no longer be left to the guard at the gate, but must begin at home.

Meanwhile, in an Official statement of the Catarman Municipal Police Office reassured that Safety and security measures were likewise strengthened in coordination with concerned stakeholders to help ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel.

In accordance with existing laws and policies, 

They however reiterates that firearm owners, particularly parents and guardians, are reminded to exercise utmost responsibility in the safekeeping of firearms and ensure that these remain inaccessible to minors. Students and members of the community are likewise encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or safety concerns to the proper authorities.

“The public is urged to exercise caution and responsibility by refraining from sharing, reposting, or circulating unauthorized or unverified information, particularly on social media.” The Statement reads. – – Miriam G. Desacada