PNP refers murder raps vs. 15-year-old suspect

Department of Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the 15-year-old school shooting suspect identified as ‘Alias Rod,’ and Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla (Courtesy: Rex Gatchalian / Philippine National Police / Office of the Chief PNP)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has referred criminal charges against the 15-year-old minor suspect in the deadly June 22 school shooting spree in Tacloban City.

PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the charges for three counts of murder, frustrated murder, and multiple counts of serious physical injuries have been referred to the local prosecutor’s office against alias Rod.

Alias Rod and another minor suspect, 14-year-old alias Nash, have already been turned over to the Tacloban City Social Welfare and Development Office.

The two ninth graders opened fire inside the San Jose National High School, killing three students and wounding 20 others.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government said it was looking into the possible liability of the parents and guardian of the two minors.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the shooting spree appeared to be a case of “bullying gone wrong” combined with their exposure to violent video games.

“We are looking at the culpability of the aunt and the parents because they (suspects) got the guns from those who are older than them,” Remulla said.

“One of the guns was not registered and had a fake serial number. But the mere fact that the students had access to the guns, the culpability rests on the owner of the guns,” he added.

Eastern Visayas police spokesperson Lt. Col. Analiza Armeza confirmed criminal raps are being eyed against the parents of the suspects.

Students at Leyte National High School in Tacloban City bear with a long queue before entering their campus on June 24, 2026 amid tightened security in the wake of the school shooting incident at San Jose National High School on June 22. (Courtesy: Tacloban City Information Office) 

“We are considering that as our action on the law enforcement side,” she said.

The PNP also revealed the suspects had a specific target, who happened to be absent last Monday.

Remulla said some witnesses confirmed hearing the two suspects looking for someone, allegedly a student who bullied them.

“Their explanation is that the suspects were bullied by the ‘siga’ in the classroom,” the Interior chief said.

Nartatez said the suspects planned their “revenge” on the bully a month ahead of the shooting spree.

Remulla said the Department of Social Welfare and Development would help determine how the juvenile suspects are handled under existing laws.

“One of them is 15 years old so we will consult with DSWD if within his timeframe he can be tried as an adult,” he said.

Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, exempts children aged 15 and below from criminal liability and instead places them under intervention programs.

But minor suspects above 15 but below 18 years old may be held criminally liable if they acted with discernment.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian visits the wake of one of school shooting victims in Tacloban City on June 24, 2026. (Courtesy: Rex Gatchalian) 

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian added: “We assure you that the law will be followed — that they (suspects) should not be in the community. They are no longer in their homes, and they won’t be returning home.”

Gatchalian also assured the bereaved families of those who were killed that the DSWD will provide funeral assistance and other psychosocial interventions.

Financial assistance was also provided to affected families and individuals, particularly those who were admitted to hospitals.

Gatchalian said he will meet with the Juvenile Justice Welfare Council and other concerned entities for a multidisciplinary meeting to discuss the case management of the two minors involved in the tragic shooting incident.

For its part, the Commission on Human Rights Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) has deployed a team to conduct a motu proprio investigation into the fatal school shooting incident.

The CHR said accountability must extend not only to those directly responsible for the violence but also to any administrative or security lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy.

“This incident demands accountability, justice, and a rights-based response that protects the welfare and dignity of all children involved,” the commission added.

The CHR also appealed to the media and the public to refrain from sharing photographs or information that could identify the children involved, whether they are victims or suspects. — Vince Lopez & Rio N. Araja