Tacloban school shooting 'hero' laid to rest as family seeks justice

TACLOBAN CITY — Fifteen-year-old Chris Lorenz Fabian, hailed as a hero for sacrificing himself to protect his classmates during the June 22 mass shooting at San Jose National High School, was laid to rest Tuesday, June 30, at the Superior Memorial Gardens in this city as his grieving family appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to help them obtain justice.

“Please, Mr. President, help us find justice,” Chris’ mother said after the funeral, which was attended by hundreds of mourners, including classmates, teachers, relatives, friends, and members of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

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

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The ceremony included military honors, with soldiers from the Army’s 8th Infantry Division rendering a 21-gun salute, while members of the Boy Scouts gave their final salute to Chris.

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Chris was among the three students killed and 20 others wounded in the June 22 shooting.

His mother questioned why the alleged 14-year-old gunman remains exempt from criminal prosecution under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

“We want the 14-year-old to be held accountable, including his parents and his aunt. Chris is no longer with us, while he appears to be receiving comfort from the government,” she said.

READ: Slain girl’s kin seek raps vs younger suspect in school shooting

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Police said the firearm allegedly used by the suspect belonged to his aunt, a member of the Police Regional Office. The alleged 15-year-old companion has been charged with three counts of murder, three counts of frustrated murder, and multiple counts of serious physical injuries. Both minors are under the custody of a DSWD-managed rehabilitation facility.

Chris’ mother also said she would skip the planned Senate inquiry into the shooting, saying, “We have just buried our son. Right now, my priority is my child.”

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As Chris’ white coffin was lowered into the grave, family members released white balloons while wearing shirts bearing the words “Justice for Chris Lorenz.” The Philippine flag that draped his coffin was later presented to his family in recognition of his reported heroism./coa

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