Murder complaints filed vs 15-year-old student in Tacloban school shooting

MANILA, Philippines – Authorities have filed criminal complaints against the 15-year-old student in the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City, the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) confirmed on Wednesday, June 24.

Police Lieutenant Evalyn Diaz, the TCPO public information officer, told Rappler that the complaint filed before the Tacloban City Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday night, June 23, was for three counts of murder, three counts of frustrated murder, and multiple counts of serious physical injuries.

The other student allegedly involved in the shooting, a 14-year-old, will undergo an intervention program, according to Diaz. 

The 15-year-old is set to face inquest proceedings, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla told Rappler.

Inquest proceedings are a special type of preliminary investigation done in warrantless arrests.

Both minors are under the custody of the Tacloban City Social Welfare and Development Office.

Under Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, minors 15 years old or under are exempt from criminal liability, but shall be subjected to an intervention program. 

The law said that minors over 15 years old but under 18 are exempt from both criminal liability and an intervention program, “unless he/she has acted with discernment.”

The two minors carried out the shooting at the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on Monday, June 22. Three students were killed and 15 others were wounded in the shooting, while five more sustained injuries not caused by gunfire.

The suspects appeared to have planned the attack, according to initial findings of the police investigation.

Authorities are still investigating how the minors got hold of the firearms. 

Initial police investigation showed that the 14-year-old used the 9mm Glock 17 pistol of her aunt, a non-commissioned cop, who has been relieved of police duties following the incident. The 15-year-old allegedly used a .38 caliber revolver owned by a Cebu City-based security agency.

Following the shooting, the Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas intensified police visibility, sustained patrol operations, and strengthened coordination with local stakeholders.

The Department of Education in Tacloban City also ordered the stricter implementation of school entrance and security protocols. Schools in other parts of the country, including Metro Manila, have also enforced stricter security protocols following the inident. – Rappler.com