Families renew plea for justice
TACLOBAN CITY — The three students killed in the June 22 mass shooting inside San Jose National High School have now all been laid to rest, but for their grieving families, the pain remains as they continue to demand justice and accountability for one of the deadliest school attacks in recent Philippine history.
The final victim, 15-year-old Yohancee “Yancee” Separa, was buried on Thursday, July 2, at Holy Cross Memorial Garden, four days after her classmate, 15-year-old Chris Lorenz Fabian, was laid to rest and a day after the burial of 14-year-old Ayessha Nicole Dazo.
Their burials brought to a close days of emotional farewells that drew hundreds of mourners, classmates, teachers, relatives, friends, and community members still reeling from the tragedy that left three students dead and 20 others injured.
The June 22 shooting, allegedly carried out by two minors aged 15 and 14, has shocked the country and ignited nationwide discussions on school security, gun ownership, and the country’s juvenile justice law.
As Separa’s coffin was lowered into the ground, her father, Jaime Separa, struggled to contain his grief.
“Sorry, Yancee. I was not around when it happened,” he said in Waray, his voice breaking with emotion.
The grieving father later said he could not forgive himself for not being with his daughter during the attack.
“If I had been there, I could have saved her. I could have helped,” he said.
Separa’s mother, Jennelyn, quietly clutched a framed photograph of her daughter throughout the burial. Before the coffin was finally covered, she softly whispered, “We love you, Yancee.”
The family’s anguish was shared by Separa’s 11-year-old brother, who tearfully promised to seek justice for his sister.
“I will miss you, Yancee. I will never forget you, and I will make sure that those behind your death will be held responsible,” he said before tossing unripe mangoes wrapped in cellophane—one of his sister’s favorite fruits—into her grave.
Separa died while being rushed to the hospital after a bullet struck her in the back and exited through her chest.
Earlier, hundreds gathered for the burial of Chris Lorenz Fabian at Superior Memorial Gardens, where he was honored not only as one of the victims but also as a young hero.
Classmates and relatives said Chris sacrificed himself by shielding fellow students during the shooting, allowing others to escape.
His funeral was marked by military honors from soldiers of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, who rendered a 21-gun salute, while members of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines paid their final respects by rendering the Scout Salute and reciting the Scout Oath.
A Philippine flag was also presented to his family in recognition of his bravery.
As his white coffin was lowered into the grave, family members released white balloons while wearing shirts bearing the words “Justice for Chris Lorenz.”
Overcome with grief, Chris’ mother appealed directly to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Please, Mr. President, help us find justice,” she said after the burial.
She also questioned why the alleged 14-year-old gunman could not be criminally prosecuted 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.
Authorities earlier disclosed that the firearm allegedly used by the younger suspect reportedly belonged to his aunt, who is a member of the Police Regional Office.
Chris’ mother also revealed that the tragedy had deeply traumatized her younger son, a Grade 7 student, prompting the family to transfer him to another school.
“Until now, the child remains traumatized,” she said.
Among those who paid tribute to Chris was his classmate, Jomar.
“I will miss him. He was such a good person. On the day of the incident, we promised to play Mobile Legends,” he said before breaking into tears.
The three families have consistently appealed for justice, insisting that everyone responsible for the tragedy be held accountable.
Police have filed three counts of murder and multiple counts of frustrated murder against the 15-year-old suspect.
However, no criminal charges have been filed against the 14-year-old suspect, identified only by the alias “Nash,” because under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, children aged 14 and below are exempt from criminal liability, although they may undergo intervention and rehabilitation.
Both minors are currently housed separately in facilities managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) while legal proceedings continue.
The DSWD, together with Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez, also shouldered the funeral expenses of the three victims.
The tragedy has since sparked renewed calls from lawmakers, legal experts, and victims’ families to revisit the country’s juvenile justice law, particularly the age of criminal responsibility, while also prompting broader discussions on school safety, mental health interventions, and responsible firearm ownership.
Although all three young victims have now been laid to rest, their families say their fight is far from over, vowing to pursue justice until everyone they believe is responsible is held accountable.
JOEY A. GABIETA, ROEL T. AMAZONA
