LIAN, Batangas — A 17-year-old Grade 12 student remains in critical condition after allegedly shooting himself inside a classroom in Lian, Batangas. The shocking incident unfolded after classmates reported to a teacher and security guard that the student was carrying a .45-caliber firearm.

According to the Lian Municipal Police Station, authorities approached the student, who reportedly drew the weapon and refused to comply with repeated requests to lower it. Initially, he pointed the gun at his chin but did not fire. Instead, he discharged the weapon twice at the floor before finally aiming it at his head and shooting himself.

Police investigators are examining the possibility that the student acted impulsively after feeling provoked by teasing. According to one classmate, the victim had allegedly mentioned that he would bring a gun to school and even target three other students. The motive is still under investigation, and authorities are consulting with experts on adolescent behavior and school violence.

The incident highlights the urgent need for mental health support and early intervention in schools. It also raises broader questions about how teasing, peer pressure, and untreated emotional distress can escalate to near-tragic consequences. While security measures may prevent weapons from entering classrooms, they cannot address underlying social and psychological issues that students face. As authorities continue their investigation, one question lingers for parents, educators, and policymakers alike: How can schools identify and address the warning signs of emotional distress before it turns deadly? (Larawan mula sa: iStock / Google)