A timely report from a concerned citizen helped police intercept a 16-year-old student carrying an Army-issued handgun before he entered a public school in Tupi, South Cotabato, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the incident, which occurred on 7 July, underscored the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and the community in keeping schools safe.

The case came two weeks after the fatal 22 June school shooting in Tacloban City.

"The swift response of our personnel prevented a potentially dangerous situation from unfolding inside the school. This incident reminds us that school safety requires constant vigilance from both law enforcement and the community," Nartatez said.

According to police, an employee of the local government unit reported seeing a male student carrying a handgun along the National Highway in Barangay Poblacion.

A responding patrol team intercepted the student before he reached the school.

Recovered from the minor was an Army-issued Glock 17 9mm pistol with two magazines loaded with 32 rounds of ammunition.

The investigation showed that the firearm was the issued service weapon of the student's older brother, an active member of the Philippine Army assigned to the 6th Infantry Battalion, 6th Infantry Division.

Authorities said the student took the pistol without his brother's knowledge or consent.

During questioning, the minor told investigators he brought the firearm for self-defense.

He was referred to the Women and Children Protection Desk before being turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office. Police are preparing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10591.

"The timely report from a concerned citizen made all the difference. It shows that public vigilance and immediate reporting can help prevent incidents before lives are put at risk," Nartatez said.