Guns in Tacloban school shooting lead to cop, Cebu City security agency

MANILA, Philippines — Police investigators linked the guns used in the Tacloban school shooting to a Cebu City security agency and a policewoman who’s the aunt of one of the suspects.

The Police Regional Office Eastern Visayas (PRO 8) recovered a caliber .38 revolver and a 9mm pistol from the two suspects, both teenagers, who are now in custody.

“Upon verification, the 9mm Glock belongs or was issued to a policewoman assigned in PRO 8,” Col. Allen Rae Co said in Camp Crame on Monday afternoon, June 22. Co serves as the PNP’s public information chief.

Tacloban City school shooting: Latest updates

Guns in Tacloban shooting traced

Authorities have also placed the policewoman under the custody of the regional police office, while she faces an investigation.

“The caliber .38 revolver is registered to a security agency in Cebu City,” Co added.

Crime scene investigators found 40 empty bullet shells.

The shooting began shortly after 9 a.m. when two Grade 9 students opened fire in two rooms inside the San Jose National High School.

Co identified the suspects by the aliases Nash, 14; and Rod, 15.

How officials are responding

Three were killed during the attack. Gunfire wounded three others and four more suffered injuries when they rushed to escape, according to the police.

The Tacloban City Government ordered a strict curfew on minors from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

City officials announced that the curfew will be “rigorously implemented in the San Jose area and throughout the city.” They also ordered greater police visibility and patrol operations in public spaces, including the Sangyawan Grounds.

Both suspects are under police custody.

READ ALSO: Tacloban school shooting suspects ‘can’t be released’ even if minors

Authorities may have to turn them over to the city social welfare department. That would be consistent with Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

In Cebu City, Mayor Nestor Archival met with police commanders and asked for tighter security in schools.

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