TACLOBAN CITY — The House of Representatives has honored 15-year-old Scout Chris Lorenz Fabian for his bravery in protecting his classmates during the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School.
The House adopted House Resolution No. 1464 on Tuesday, in consolidation with House Resolution No. 1176, recognizing Fabian’s sacrifice and his efforts to keep his classmates safe during the attack.
Fabian, a Grade 10 student and Boy Scout, was among those killed in the shooting that left three students dead and 20 others injured at the Tacloban City public high school.
According to the resolutions, Fabian rushed to secure the door of his classroom as armed assailants approached, helping protect the students inside. The resolutions also noted that he remained concerned about his classmates’ safety as they sought to escape.
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, and Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan filed HR 1464. HR 1176 was filed by Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Tingog Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez and Jude Acidre.
Acidre said the congressional recognition pays tribute to Fabian’s courage and concern for his fellow students.
“Ha butnga han delikado na sitwasyon, an seguridad han iya mga ka-eskwela an ginhunahuna ni Chris. Batan-on pa hiya, pero dako na an iya kaisog ngan paghigugma ha iya igkasi-tawo,” Acidre said.
Fabian had been involved in the Scouting movement since October 2015. The resolution described him as a caring son and brother, a diligent student and a committed scout who lived the ideals of discipline, service, compassion and preparedness.
His bravery has also been recognized locally and by the scouting organization.
The Boy Scouts of the Philippines posthumously conferred on Fabian the Gold Gallantry and Heroism Award for his actions during the shooting. The Tacloban City government also declared him the city’s “Young Hero” on Aug. 13.
Fabian’s mother, Erbea, earlier expressed gratitude for the recognition given to her son but said the honors could not replace his presence. She also appealed for measures to prevent similar incidents in schools.
The House resolution also expressed solidarity with Fabian’s family and the families of the other students who died in the shooting.
“Waray pasidungog nga makakaliwan han kinabuhi hin usa nga anak. Ha pamilya ni Chris, kaupod niyo kami ha iyo kabido. Diri namon hingangalimtan an iya kaisog, an iya pagkabuotan, ngan an iya gugma ha iya mga ka-eskwela,” Acidre said.
He also vowed to push for safer schools, saying families send their children to school with the expectation that they will be protected.
“May-ada kita obligasyon nga tumanon iton nga pagtapod,” Acidre said, adding that children should be able to learn without fear while their families wait for them to return home safely.
The June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School prompted calls for stronger school security and measures to prevent violence on school campuses. Two minors were later placed in a rehabilitation program in connection with the incident, according to authorities.
(JOEY A. GABIETA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
