Tacloban school shooting: PNP vows cases vs gun owners

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has vowed to pursue legal action against the registered owners of the firearms allegedly used in the school shooting in Tacloban City.

“With all the pieces of evidence available, I expect a solid case that can stand in court,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Let this serve as a warning to all registered gun owners on the responsibility—and accountability—that comes with the privilege of owning firearms,” he added.

READ: Tacloban school shooting: DepEd-W. Visayas orders police visibility

The shooting took place when two Grade 9 students aged 14 and 15 opened fire inside the premises of San Jose National High School on Monday morning, June 22.

Both minors were taken into police custody.

READ: Security audit of all Cebu City schools ordered after Tacloban shooting

The PNP’s latest tally showed that three students were killed during the incident, while 13 others were wounded.

In a press briefing on Monday afternoon, PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co said the two minors used a 9mm pistol belonging to the 14-year-old’s aunt, who was a Police Regional Office Eastern Visayas (PRO 8) personnel, and a caliber .38 revolver registered to a Cebu-based security agency.

Co previously said the PRO 8 personnel, whose gun was allegedly used, was placed under restrictive custody while the investigation was ongoing.

“Police officers and members of other law enforcement agencies must know better since the subject matter is part of their training program,” Nartatez said.

Among the definitions of a “loose firearm” under Republic Act No. 10591 or the Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act is “registered firearms in the possession of an individual other than the licensee.”

“The use of a loose firearm, when inherent in the commission of a crime punishable under the Revised Penal Code or other special laws, shall be considered as an aggravating circumstance,” RA No. 10591 further states.

In a separate statement on Tuesday, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) said its Eastern Visayas office will conduct its own motu proprio investigation into the possible administrative liabilities of the PRO 8 personnel whose gun was allegedly used in the shooting.

“This investigation will run parallel and in coordination with the investigation being conducted by the Philippine National Police,” Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Calinisan noted in the statement.

“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. She has a lot of explaining to do,” he added.

Calinisan noted that, if found liable, the PRO 8 officer may be administratively charged with grave misconduct or grave neglect, which may be punished by suspension, demotion, or dismissal from the police service.

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