TACLOBAN CITY — Families of students killed and injured in the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School have welcomed a prosecutor’s finding of probable cause against the police officer who owned the service firearm used in the attack, saying the development has renewed their hope for justice.
The Department of Justice earlier said that the Tacloban City Prosecutor’s Office, in a resolution dated Aug. 20, found probable cause to recommend the filing of charges for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and physical injuries against Police Staff Sergeant Arla Ray Pacencia.
Pacencia is the aunt of one of the minors involved in the shooting and the owner of the service firearm used by the minor.
Erbea Fabian, mother of shooting victim Chris Lorenz Fabian, said the recommendation gave the victims’ families hope that those responsible for the deaths and injuries would be held accountable.
“Nagkaroon po ng pag-asa para sa hustisya ng mga anak namin at ng iba pang mga biktima para hindi na maulit ng basta-basta,” she said.
Fabian said the development would help ease, even partially, the pain suffered by families after losing their children. She also said it should remind gun owners to exercise greater responsibility in securing and handling firearms.
“Kahit po sabihing isinafety niya, kung talagang naka-safety ’yun, bakit nakuha pa rin nung bata?” Fabian said.
The prosecutor’s finding, however, does not mean that a criminal case has already been filed in court.
Tacloban City Prosecutor Liza Jorda said six complainants filed complaints involving reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and multiple physical injuries. After conducting a preliminary investigation, the prosecutor’s office found probable cause to charge Pacencia.
Pacencia may still file a motion for reconsideration within 15 days from receipt of the resolution. The prosecutor’s office will have 10 days to act on the motion.
“That is her right to file an MR,” Jorda said.
If the finding of probable cause is sustained after the motion for reconsideration, the case will then be filed in court, Jorda said.
If Pacencia is ultimately found liable for negligence in the handling of her service firearm, she could face imprisonment ranging from four months to four years, according to Jorda.
“Justice is underway, and they just have to wait with the process because the other party who is accused here also have rights,” Jorda said.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
