DSWD chief assures aid, justice for Tacloban shooting victims

TACLOBAN CITY— As the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School that claimed the lives of three students and injured 20 others, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Wednesday visited the wake of one of the victims and assured grieving families of government support and justice.

Gatchalian paid his respects to the family of 15-year-old Chris Lorenz Fabian, one of the three students killed when two minor suspects opened fire inside the school campus on the morning of June 22.

READ: Tacloban shooting: Slain student who shielded peers hailed a hero

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During his visit to the Fabian family’s residence in Barangay Cogon, San Jose District, Gatchalian conveyed the government’s condolences and assured them that assistance would be extended not only to their family but also to the other victims affected by what has been described as one of the deadliest school shooting incidents in the country in recent years.

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While expressing gratitude for the government’s support, Chris Lorenz’s mother, Erbea Fabian, said that more than financial assistance, their family is seeking justice for her son’s death.

“We truly need financial help, but our priority is justice,” she told the DSWD secretary.

Fighting back tears, the grieving mother spoke of the pain of losing her son.

“I don’t want to become emotional, but nothing is more painful than this. Chris Lorenz was with us for 15 years. He is still here with us now, but soon he will be gone forever,” she said.

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“Why did this happen to him?” she added.

Gatchalian assured the family that the government is committed to ensuring accountability for those responsible for the tragedy.

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He said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was deeply shocked by the incident and has ordered authorities to ensure that justice is served to the victims and their families.

The DSWD chief also sought to ease the family’s concerns regarding the two suspects, aged 15 and 14, who allegedly carried out the attack.

According to Gatchalian, the minors are currently under government custody and are being held in a rehabilitation facility.

“At least they can have peace of mind knowing that the suspects are not at large,” he said.

Authorities filed charges Tuesday night against the 15-year-old suspect, including three counts of murder, three counts of frustrated murder, and multiple counts of serious physical injuries before the City Prosecutor’s Office.

READ: Murder raps filed vs 15-year-old Tacloban school shooter

Gatchalian said government agencies are likewise determining the appropriate legal action against the 14-year-old suspect in accordance with laws governing children in conflict with the law.

The DSWD secretary added that investigators are also examining the possible liability of the parents or guardians of the minors, particularly regarding how the suspects gained access to the firearms allegedly used in the attack.

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The June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School left three students dead, including Fabian, and wounded 20 others, triggering nationwide concern over school safety, juvenile violence, and access to firearms. The incident prompted government agencies, education officials, and law enforcement authorities to strengthen security measures in schools while pursuing criminal and administrative cases against those responsible./coa