PNP probes if parents liable for Tacloban school shooting

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it was investigating whether the parents or guardians of the two suspects in the Tacloban City school shooting may also be held liable for the incident.

The PNP previously identified the suspects as two male Grade 9 students aged 14 and 15.

“Part of the investigation, however, is the determination of the accountability of the parents or guardians in relation to this unfortunate incident,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

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“And what we can also assure the public is that we will run after all those who made this possible, especially on the aspect of how these minors were able to have access to the firearms they used,” he added.

READ: Guns in Tacloban shooting belong to suspect’s cop aunt, security agency

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The two suspects entered the school through its main entrance at separate times and opened fire inside the premises at around 9 a.m. on Monday, June 22, according to Police Regional Office Eastern Visayas (PRO 8) Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy.

Both minors were taken into the custody of the police and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Capoy added.

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“While the PNP understands the mounting calls for justice… the incident is a sensitive legal issue since the attackers are minors,” Nartatez said.

“There are some legal procedures that must be strictly followed in accordance with existing laws,” he added. “[The PNP] will coordinate with the Department of Justice on this matter.”

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The PNP chief also ordered regional police units to intensify their coordination with school authorities and enforce safety measures.

Nartatez urged the public to remain calm and refrain from sharing unverified information about the incident online. /mcm

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