DOJ: Minor faces multiple murder charges over Tacloban school shooting

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed multiple murder charges against a 15-year-old student implicated in a school shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22, which resulted in three student fatalities and 20 injuries. The DOJ announced on Thursday, September 3, that Tacloban City prosecutors filed the charges before the Family Court of Tacloban City Regional Trial Court following inquest proceedings on July 13. The minor allegedly conspired with a 14-year-old boy who was found to be not criminally liable. "The murder case is pending in court," the DOJ stated. At a press briefing, Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato disclosed that prosecutors ordered the filing of additional charges against the 15-year-old student: four counts of frustrated murder, with recommended bail of P72,000 for each count, and six counts of attempted murder, with recommended bail of P36,000 for each count. According to Dato, Tacloban prosecutors found that the 15-year-old "acted with discernment" and in "conspiracy with a second minor." Discernment, he explained, refers to a child in conflict with the law's ability to distinguish right from wrong and proceed with a wrongful act. While a local social welfare and development official initially determines discernment, it is not binding on prosecutors, who examined the entirety of the documentary evidence, including psychological reports. Although the 14-year-old student is exempt from criminal liability, the Department of the Interior and Local Government previously stated he would undergo an intervention program. On August 18, another fatal school shooting incident occurred, this time in Zamboanga City. Two students were killed at Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s junior high school campus, including the perpetrator. The incidents have fueled discussions on responsible gun ownership, strengthening school safety, and addressing mental health issues among the youth in the Philippines. – Rappler.com