Criminal Raps Filed Versus School Shooter, 15; Cohort, 14, Faces ‘Intervention’

Authorities filed criminal complaints on Wednesday, June 24, against the 15-year-old student involved in the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.

Tacloban police filed the complaints before the City Prosecutor’s Office against the teen in connection with the June 22 shooting that left three students dead and 20 others injured.

“Earlier at 2 a.m. (on Wednesday), we already filed the criminal complaint against the CICL (child in conflict with the law), who is above 15 years old,” Tacloban police director Col. Noelito Getigan told The Philippine STAR.

The suspect and his 14-year-old cohort were turned over to the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth for proper custody following the attack.

The 15-year-old is facing charges for three counts of murder, three counts of frustrated murder and multiple counts of serious physical injuries.

Authorities are still determining the liability of the 14-year-old suspect, who reportedly fired the majority of shots – over 30 rounds – from a 9mm pistol during the attack.

Being below age 15, he will face “intervention” at a Bahay Pag-asa facility for juveniles.

Asked about the motive, Getigan said bullying remains one of the angles being investigated, although the case is now with prosecutors for evaluation.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla also supported this angle, saying initial findings point to bullying as a factor behind the attack.

“Initial feedback indicates this was a case of bullying gone wrong. The two students were allegedly being bullied, and because of that they were influenced by video games,” he said.

Investigators said one of the suspects was heavily engaged in Gorebox, a violent online game.

The shooting also placed attention on how the firearms were obtained.

Police said the Glock 9mm pistol used in the attack allegedly belonged to the aunt of one of the suspects, a police officer who has since been relieved from her post and placed under restrictive custody pending administrative and criminal investigations.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the .38-caliber handgun used by the other suspect bears the same serial number as another firearm in Bohol.

“It is now being investigated so we can determine why there are two firearms with the same serial number,” Nartatez said.

Raps versus parents eyed

Authorities are likewise considering filing charges against the parents of the minors.

As the criminal investigation proceeds, Educaiton Secretary Sonny Angara stressed that the incident highlights the need for stronger systems to protect and support learners both inside and outside schools.

“The tragedy in Tacloban is a painful reminder that learner protection requires constant vigilance and shared commitment. While investigations will establish the facts surrounding this incident, we must also ask what more can be done to better support our learners and strengthen protective systems around them,” Angara said.

He said the shooting serves as a sobering reminder that children and young people may face challenges requiring timely intervention before they escalate into crises.

“This is a conversation that must involve not only schools, but families, communities, local governments and all institutions entrusted with the welfare of children,” he added.

Angara emphasized that learner safety extends beyond physical security and must include strong child protection mechanisms, mental health and psychosocial support, anti-bullying interventions, family engagement and accessible channels for learners seeking help.

He has ordered a review of the implementation of learner protection measures, including the Child Protection Policy, anti-bullying programs, school-based mental health initiatives and the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment.

Field offices were likewise directed to engage stakeholders from the education, health, social welfare, law enforcement, local government and civil society sectors to strengthen coordination, improve referral pathways and ensure timely assistance for at-risk learners.

The Schools Division Office of Tacloban City, for its part, has mobilized psychological first aid and psychosocial support services for affected students, parents, teachers and school personnel.

Classes in 57 public schools resumed Wednesday after a brief suspension to allow emotional processing, while San Jose National High School remains closed until June 26.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development assured affected families that government support would continue beyond immediate assistance.

“Beyond immediate aid, we are committed to long-term psychosocial intervention for the families, teachers, students and the whole community,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said.

Security heightened

In response to the shooting, police authorities across the country have tightened security measures around schools.

Nartatez ordered police commanders nationwide to coordinate closely with school officials and strengthen security presence around campuses to prevent similar incidents.

He clarified that police officers may maintain peace and order outside school premises, while deployment inside campuses would require coordination with school authorities.

The PNP chief also appealed to the public to stop sharing graphic photos and videos of the Tacloban shooting and a separate stabbing incident in Cavite.

“We urge the public, especially content creators and social media users, to stop the cycle of trauma by deleting and refusing to share these videos as your desire for online engagement should never come at the cost of human dignity,” he said.

“They should not be subjected to public judgment, online harassment or unnecessary exposure at a time when they and their families are already dealing with trauma,” Nartatez added.

The PNP has likewise directed its Anti-Cybercrime Group to coordinate with social media platforms to remove graphic content and is working with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center to address minors’ exposure to violent online games and applications.

In the Cordillera Administrative Region and Quezon City, police officers have been deployed to public and private schools to increase visibility, prevent crime and assist in maintaining a safe learning environment.

Central Luzon police likewise tightened firearm accountability measures among personnel following the Tacloban shooting.

“Recent incidents serve as a reminder that every firearm entrusted to a police officer carries a serious responsibility,” Central Luzon police director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez said.

Over the last four years, the PNP has logged 1,275 school-related incidents involving CICL nationwide. – With Emmanuel Tupas, Bella Cariaso, Artemio Dumlao, Eric Sapnu