Team DailyPedia
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has confirmed that one of the firearms used in the deadly school shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte, on June 22 was issued to a police officer.
During a press briefing on Monday, PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Allen Rae Co disclosed that the 9mm Glock pistol used by one of the suspects belongs to a policewoman assigned to Police Regional Office 8.
“Upon verification, the 9mm Glock belongs or was issued to a policewoman assigned in PRO 8. The subject policewoman is now under investigation and placed under custody of regional police office,” Co said.
Authorities later discovered that the 14-year-old suspect is the nephew of the police officer. The teenager reportedly attempted to evade arrest following the shooting but was eventually apprehended.
According to Co, the policewoman could face multiple charges if investigators determine that negligence led to her service firearm falling into the hands of the suspect.
Meanwhile, authorities also traced the firearm used by the second suspect, a 15-year-old minor, to a security agency based in Cebu.
Police are now coordinating with the agency to identify the security guard believed to be connected to the weapon recovered from the younger suspect.
Investigators recovered around 40 spent bullet casings from various areas of the school campus following the attack.
The shooting left three people dead and seven others injured.
Authorities are currently exploring bullying as a possible motive behind the attack, although the investigation remains ongoing.
In response to the tragedy, Senator Francis Pangilinan expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and strongly condemned the violence.
“Taos-puso akong nakikiramay sa mga naiwan ng mga nasawi,” Pangilinan said.
“Mariin kong kinokondena ang pamamaril na nangyari sa loob ng paaralan. Walang lugar ang karahasan sa ating lipunan, lalong-lalo na sa mga lugar na dapat ay ligtas para sa mga bata.”
The senator also called for the proper implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
“Nananawagan ako ng mabilis, ganap, at tamang pagpapatupad ng Juvenile Justice Law. Hindi pwedeng pakawalan ang mga suspek kahit menor de edad. Dapat dumaan sila sa prosesong itinakda ng batas,” he said.
He added that parents may also be held accountable if negligence is established and emphasized the need for support services for victims and their families.
The Department of Education likewise condemned the attack and pledged assistance to affected learners.
“We strongly condemn this act of violence and extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as our earnest prayers for the swift recovery of those who were injured. The Central Office is now mobilizing assistance to our affected learners,” the agency said.
Meanwhile, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, urged authorities to ensure that proper assessment and intervention measures are provided to the minors involved in the incident.
“The CWC welcomes and supports the directive of the Office of the President to conduct a thorough investigation into the Tacloban City school shooting incident,” the agency said.
“In line with Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, as amended by Republic Act No. 10630, they should not be treated as criminals, but as children requiring intervention and protection.”
The agency emphasized the importance of following procedures for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening child protection systems nationwide.
