MANILA, Philippines — Investigators are examining how two minors obtained firearms used in the shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on Monday that killed three students and injured 20 others, as authorities prepare possible charges against the gun owners.
Police identified the suspects only by their aliases, “Rod,” 15, and “Nash,” 14. Authorities said Nash used a Glock 17 pistol registered to his aunt, a police officer assigned to the Police Regional Office-8, while Rod allegedly carried a .38-caliber revolver traced to a security agency based in Cebu.
The Philippine National Police placed the police officer under restrictive custody while investigators determine whether criminal and administrative charges are warranted.
PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co said the officer may face a criminal case for malversation under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code. He added that she may also face administrative sanctions, including a fine for failing to report a lost firearm, revocation of her firearms license under Republic Act No. 10591, and a grave misconduct complaint under National Police Commission regulations.
Co said authorities are also evaluating possible sanctions against the security agency linked to the revolver allegedly used by Rod. He said the agency could face the revocation of its license to operate for failing to report a lost firearm under the implementing rules of Republic Act No. 11917, or the Private Security Services Industry Act.
Police said Rod’s grandfather previously worked for the agency as a security guard.
Co said the families of the victims may also pursue civil cases for damages against the firearm owners.
The PNP said it will pursue cases against those responsible for the firearms.
“Let this serve as a warning to all registered gun owners on the responsibility—and accountability—that comes with the privilege of owning firearms,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
The National Police Commission said its Eastern Visayas office will conduct a separate investigation into the possible administrative liability of the police officer.
“This intentional or negligent act of the policewoman in allowing her nephew to use her issued firearm led to the death of three teenagers and the wounding of many others,” Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Calinisan said.
The two suspects remain under the custody of the City Social Welfare and Development Office in accordance with laws governing children in conflict with the law.
Authorities are also reviewing photographs and online conversations that allegedly showed the suspects posing with firearms and discussing plans to attack the school.
Police said the attack may have been planned weeks before the incident. Police Regional Office-8 director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said investigators received information indicating that preparations for the attack began as early as April or May.
Officials have not established a definitive motive for the shooting.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said he was not convinced that bullying alone motivated the attack. He cited online conversations that suggested premeditation and said he wanted to speak with the suspects to better understand the circumstances behind the incident.
The Department of Justice said it is also examining whether extremism, radicalization or other forms of violent behavior may have contributed to the attack.
According to police, the suspects attended the same school but were not classmates. Rod was a Grade 10 student, while Nash was in Grade 9.
Police arrested Rod while he was allegedly attempting to flee the campus. Authorities said a resident later turned Nash over to police.
Teachers and residents described the two students as quiet and generally unremarkable before the incident.
Classes at San Jose National High School remain suspended for one week as school officials focus on providing psychological first aid to students and teachers affected by the shooting.
“Our immediate concern is for our learners and teachers to undergo psychological first aid because of the trauma they experienced due to the incident,” said Nilo Eder, information officer of the Tacloban City Schools Division.
School officials have not decided whether the classrooms where the shooting occurred will be used again. Personal belongings left inside the campus remain secured while authorities continue their investigation.