DoJ: 15-year-old in Tacloban school shooting to face murder raps

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) said that the Tacloban City Prosecutor’s Office has ordered the filing of four counts of frustrated murder and six counts of attempted murder against a 15-year-old child in conflict with the law (CICL) over the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School. Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman E. Dato said the prosecutors found that the minor acted with discernment and in conspiracy with a second minor, aged 14. “Ten informations are directed to be filed before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Tacloban City against the 15-year-old CICL. 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,” Mr. Dato told a press briefing on Thursday. “Our prosecutors found that he acted with discernment and in conspiracy with a second minor,” he added. Discernment refers to a child’s ability to understand the difference between right and wrong and the consequences of the wrongful act at the time it was committed, according to the Supreme Court. The DoJ also clarified that the 15-year-old already has a pending murder case filed before the Family Court of the Tacloban RTC on July 13. Justice spokesperson Raphael Niccolo “Polo” L. Martinez said the City Prosecutor’s Office of Tacloban charged the minor with three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder for allegedly conspiring with the other minor. “The charges were filed prior to the four counts of frustrated murder and six counts of attempted murder,” Mr. Martinez told reporters in a Viber chat, referring to the charges mentioned by Mr. Dato. The June 22 shooting left three people dead and at least 20 others injured. The second perpetrator, a 14-year-old Grade 9 student, is exempt from criminal liability but will undergo intervention and rehabilitation programs, Mr. Dato said. The Tacloban City Prosecutor’s Office had earlier recommended the filing of charges for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and physical injuries against Police Staff Sergeant Arla Rey Paciencia. Ms. Paciencia is the aunt of the second, 14-year-old co-perpetrator and owner of the government-issued 9mm Glock 17 firearm used in the incident. — Mark Joseph M. Sanchez