Mass shooting at San Jose NHS shooting
TACLOBAN CITY — Authorities say they have assembled what they describe as strong evidence against a 15-year-old student accused in the June 22 mass shooting at San Jose National High School, citing witness accounts, forensic results, and digital communications allegedly linking him and another minor to the attack that left three students dead and 20 others injured.
The Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas confirmed that criminal charges have been filed against the suspect, identified only as “Rod,” through inquest proceedings before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Tacloban City on Tuesday night, June 23.
Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) spokesperson Lt. Col. Analiza Armeza said investigators based the charges on multiple pieces of evidence, including witness testimonies, forensic findings, and alleged online conversations between the two minor suspects prior to the shooting.
“We have filed the appropriate charges based on the evidence gathered during the investigation,” Armeza said.
The complaint includes three counts of murder, three counts of frustrated murder, and multiple counts of serious physical injuries. Police said the frustrated murder charges cover three victims who sustained life-threatening gunshot wounds but survived.
Authorities also said they are reviewing digital exchanges allegedly showing planning and coordination between the suspects, which investigators believe may help establish premeditation.
Forensic testing, according to police, showed positive paraffin test results on both minors, indicating the presence of gunpowder residue on their right hands. The firearms allegedly used in the attack likewise tested positive for nitrate traces.
PRO-8 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said the investigation was conducted with due process and continues as authorities work to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
“We remain committed to establishing the truth and ensuring accountability under the law. We urge the public to remain calm, verify information, and report suspicious activity to authorities,” Capoy said.
Police clarified, however, that the 14-year-old suspect in the case cannot be held criminally liable under Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, which exempts children below 15 years old from criminal prosecution.
Authorities said the younger suspect has been turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for appropriate intervention and rehabilitation measures.
The filing of charges comes shortly after one of the deadliest school shootings in Eastern Visayas in recent years, which has prompted heightened security measures in schools across Tacloban City and nearby areas.
Killed in the attack were Joyancee Separa, 15, a Grade 10 student; Nicole Daza, 14, a Grade 9 student; and Chris Lorenz Fabian, 15, also a Grade 10 student.
Fabian has been described by witnesses as having tried to help others escape during the attack, reportedly attempting to secure a classroom door as the shooting unfolded, an act that allowed several students and a teacher inside to survive.
The incident also injured 20 others. Police said 15 sustained gunshot wounds, while five were hurt during the panic and stampede that followed.
As the case moves forward, investigators are still determining the motive behind the attack while maintaining increased security presence in schools across the city.
Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, describing the incident as “shocking” and “traumatic.”
“We will get to the bottom of this as fast as we can so that we can move on and create better policies and programs for our children so that they can be safe,” Romualdez said.
He added that the city government is providing assistance to the bereaved families and coordinating with relevant agencies in the aftermath of the tragedy.
JOEY A. GABIETA/ LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA
