THE Grade 7 student of Oro Christian Grace School who “accidentally” shot his female batchmate on Thursday, January 30, had also allegedly brought a grenade to the school the day before the incident, a parent disclosed over the weekend.
A parent of the suspect's classmate, who requested anonymity, sent SunStar Cagayan de Oro a copy of a video which captured the 13-year-old suspect holding a grenade and showed it to his classmates.
"Akong eldest is classmate sa suspect. Ingon akong anak the day before the incident nagdala ang bata og granada sa classroom and apparently na nakit-an sa usa ka teacher pero gibalik lang sa student," the parent said.
The parent also said the grenade was confirmed by the police's Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD).
He said the following day, the boy brought a gun.
Police said the boy sneaked in a 9mm caliber pistol to allegedly use it as a prop for a stage play.
The gun allegedly went off and hit his female batchmate. The victim was brought to the hospital and is reportedly safe and in stable condition now, according to the police.
Major Evan Viñas, spokesperson of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo), said the gun is allegedly owned by the suspect's father who is said to be a high-ranking army official.
"Isolated case ni wala to tuyoa sa bata. Naa silay stage play unya imbes toy gun iyang dal-on tinuod nga pusil iyang gidala,"Vinas said.
But, the parent said the stage play was scheduled in February yet.
"Ang akong nahibal-an naay stage play pero sa February pa. And also walay English class sa Thursday,"he added.
He also expressed dismay over how the school administration handled the situation.
The parent said the incident happened around 7:15 a.m. but it was only reported to police four hours later. He also said the parents were only informed around 2:00 p.m.
"Ang amo as parents the school should communicate with the parents right away kay safety sa mga bata ang among concern. During the briefing sa 2:00 p.m. there was no mention also of the grenade nga gidala sa bata,"The parent said.
The parent is now asking the school administration to act on the incident.
"Kung ako lang I want the student expelled. We don't wish him bad luck ang amo mo-mature ang bata nga next time dili na niya buhaton,"he added.
On the other hand, authorities are looking into why and how the gun sneaked into the school. Police are also checking the lapses in the security protocols inside the campus.
Vinas said the suspect's parents will likely face criminal liability in behalf of their minor child.
"Ang parents ani ang naay tulubagon pero depende kung magka-settle sila sa family sa victim,"Vinas said.
The school has yet to issue a statement.