Despite PBBM’s SONA tribute

TACLOBAN CITY – The families of two students killed in the June 22 mass shooting at San Jose National High School welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recognition of the victims during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), but said their foremost plea remains unchanged: justice for the three students who lost their lives in one of the country’s deadliest school shooting incidents.

The mothers of victims Cris Lorenz Fabian and Yohancee Separa expressed gratitude after President Marcos honored the courage and sacrifice of the three slain students in his July 27 SONA.

However, Erbea Fabian and Jennelyn Baldoria, mother of Yohancee, said the tribute, while meaningful, does not diminish their desire to see those responsible held accountable.
“We are thankful that the President mentioned us in his SONA. But more than anything else, we want justice to be served,” Fabian said.

Baldoria likewise reiterated her appeal for authorities to hold the 14-year-old suspect accountable, saying investigators had identified the minor as the one who fatally shot her daughter.

“We want the 14-year-old included in the case because he was identified as the one who shot and killed my daughter,” she said.

The shooting on June 22 claimed the lives of Cris Lorenz Fabian, Yohancee Baldoria, and Ayessa Nicole Dazo, while injuring 20 other students. The attack, considered among the worst school shooting incidents in Philippine history, prompted schools across the country to tighten campus security and revived debates on school safety and the country’s juvenile justice law.

Under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, children below 15 years old are exempt from criminal liability, although they may undergo intervention and rehabilitation programs.
The 15-year-old suspect has been charged with three counts of murder, three counts of frustrated murder, and multiple counts of serious physical injuries. Both minor suspects are currently under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at its rehabilitation facility in Tanauan, Leyte.

Fabian said she spent the day of the President’s SONA visiting her son’s grave, while Baldoria attended a court hearing where she saw, through a video link, the arraignment of the 15-year-old suspect.

During his address before Congress, President Marcos paid tribute to the three slain students and their families, describing the victims’ courage and selflessness as qualities that inspire the nation.

“We are all so very proud of the unflinching bravery and heroic virtue that you have instilled in your children. They are an inspiration to us all. Their courage and their selflessness, true Filipino qualities, are the virtues that these trying times call for,” the President said.

Despite the President’s recognition, Fabian said the tragedy underscores the need for lawmakers to revisit the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, particularly the minimum age of criminal responsibility.

She said lowering the age of criminal liability would help prevent similar incidents in the future by ensuring that young offenders involved in grave crimes could be held accountable under the law.

The June 22 shooting also triggered heightened security measures in schools nationwide after several educational institutions, including those in Tacloban City and other parts of Eastern Visayas, received shooting threats in the succeeding weeks. Although most of the threats were later found to be hoaxes, authorities said they underscored growing concerns over campus safety.

Amid their grief, the victims’ families acknowledged the assistance extended by the national government and other sectors.

On July 3, each family received P150,000 in financial assistance from the Office of the President and was assured of housing units in a resettlement community in Tacloban City originally developed for survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda. Additional aid was also provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Education, local officials, private organizations, and individual donors

JOEY A. GABIETA, ROEL T. AMAZONA

TACLOBAN CITY — A total of 274 police personnel assigned to various units in Eastern Visayas were promoted to higher ranks during simultaneous oath-taking, donning, and pinning ceremonies led by the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) on Wednesday, July 29.
The ceremony, held at Camp Ruperto Kangleon in Palo, Leyte, covered 38 Police Commissioned Officers (PCOs) and 236 Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCOs) under the Philippine National Police’s First Cycle Calendar Year 2026 Second Level Uniformed Personnel Regular Promotion Program.

The newly promoted commissioned officers included 30 Police Majors, four Police Captains, and four Police Lieutenants.

The promoted non-commissioned officers comprised two Police Executive Master Sergeants, 22 Police Chief Master Sergeants, three Police Senior Master Sergeants, 44 Police Master Sergeants, 97 Police Staff Sergeants, and 68 Police Corporals.

PRO-8 Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said the promotions recognize the officers’ dedication and service while reminding them of the greater responsibility that comes with their new ranks.

“The ranks you wear today symbolize greater responsibility and accountability. Let this promotion inspire you to continue serving the people with honor and unwavering dedication,” Capoy said.

The promotion program is part of the PNP’s regular career advancement system, which grants promotions based on merit, performance, and eligibility as the organization continues to strengthen its professional and public service capabilities across the region.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Police in Biliran province recovered a caliber .38 revolver from an elementary school pupil during a school visitation in Almeria town, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to keep firearms out of schools.

In a report released Thursday, the Biliran Police Provincial Office said the firearm was turned over by the principal of Pulang Bato Elementary School after a pupil was allegedly found in possession of the weapon at around 2:50 p.m. on Wednesday.

Responding officers confiscated the caliber .38 revolver, which contained no ammunition, and took custody of it for proper documentation and disposition.

Police coordinated with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, the barangay chairman, the school principal, and the child’s parent.

After interviews, assessment, and counseling, the Grade 6 pupil was released to the parent for appropriate diversion proceedings under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
Authorities withheld the child’s identity and age in compliance with laws protecting the privacy of minors.

The Biliran Police Provincial Office said the incident underscores the need for close cooperation among schools, parents, law enforcement agencies, and local government units to prevent children from gaining access to firearms. It added that regular school visitations and stronger partnerships with school officials form part of its continuing Safer Schools Initiative to ensure a secure learning environment.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)