Tacloban shooting sparks debate on lowering age of criminal liability

TRAIL OF CHAOS Overturned chairs, scattered furniture and school bags left by terrified students are seen inside a classroom of San Jose National High School after the gun attack by two students on Monday morning. The police and emergency responders secured the campus and cordoned off classrooms and other areas while investigation into the shooting continues. —PHOTOS BY ROEL T. AMAZONA AND JOEY A. GABIETA

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The recent school shooting in Tacloban City has reignited debates here regarding the age of criminal responsibility, drawing sharp reactions from government officials, religious leaders, and law enforcement officials in Northern Mindanao.

The Tacloban school rampage on Monday involving two minor students left three students dead and 20 wounded. The 15-year-old suspect was charged with multiple murder.

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

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Stakeholders in the region argued that legislative adjustments alone may not address the root causes of criminal offenses committed by minors.

Dr. Manuel Jaudian, a licensed criminologist, emphasized the need for empirical data rather than policy shifts driven by isolated incidents.

“Lowering the age will not stop the act; it will only increase statistics,” Jaudian told the Inquirer.

He suggested that the state prioritize the establishment of specialized youth centers or “boot camps” to address behavioral issues among teens.

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Dr. Gerry Caño, also a licensed criminologist, echoed these sentiments, asserting that lower age limits offer no guarantee of reduced criminal incidence.

He pointed to several triggers currently affecting the youth, including the “sociologically-driven” glorification of violence via video games, unguided access to the internet and social media platforms, the prevalence of broken family structures, and systemic failures in the educational system to ensure schools remain safe havens.

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The Department of Education failed “for the longest time,” Caño said.

Holistic intervention

Religious leaders in Northern Mindanao have urged the government to view the issue through a lens of rehabilitation rather than purely punitive measures.

Archbishop Jose Cabantan of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro said the proposal requires careful study and discernment.

“There should be a holistic approach in dealing with this issue, not just a legal one,” he noted, citing the complex factors influencing children in the digital age.

For his part, Bishop Felixberto Calang of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente took a firmer stance, arguing against placing the burden of accountability on children.

“Lowering criminal liability age is giving a burden to children on matters which should not be their responsibility,” Calang said, adding that “parents and the state must bear the brunt of rearing children to be responsible.”

Hazem Shahin, head of the ICRC Butuan Office, offered a perspective on the psychological development of youth.

Speaking in a personal capacity, Shahin explained that minors are biologically more emotional and less responsive to traditional mediation.

He cited international observations where criminal syndicates deliberately utilized minors, knowing that the legal framework provides them immunity from imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the police here remained prepared to follow legislative directives.

Brigadier Gen. Christopher Abrahano, regional director of Police Regional Office 10, said the institution defers to the wisdom of Congress.

“Any proposal regarding the age of criminal responsibility must be studied carefully to ensure the right balance between accountability and the welfare of children,” Abrahano told the Inquirer.

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He added they will implement the laws approved Congress. /jpv