TACLOBAN CITY, PHILIPPINES - A tragic incident unfolded at San Jose National High School on Monday morning when two students, aged 14 and 15, allegedly used firearms to shoot up the school, leaving three dead and at least 20 others wounded.
According to initial reports, the firearms used in the shooting belonged to the aunt of one of the suspects, a police staff sergeant, and a security agency where the grandfather of the other suspect previously worked. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has vowed to pursue cases against both gun owners over the incident.
The PNP is investigating how the two minor suspects ended up in possession of the firearms. Under Republic Act No. 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, which was enacted in May 2013, the use of a "loose firearm" (defined as registered firearms in the possession of an individual other than the licensee) when inherent in the commission of a crime punishable under special laws shall be considered as an aggravating circumstance.
The PNP has also launched investigations into the liability of the police staff sergeant who owned one of the pistols allegedly used during the incident. She has been relieved from her post and placed under restrictive custody.
Background: The Tacloban school shooting is not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of a larger issue regarding gun ownership and regulation in the Philippines. The country's laws on firearms are governed by various issuances, including Republic Act No. 10591 and National Police Commission Memorandum Circulars. These regulations aim to prevent the misuse of firearms and hold accountable those who fail to exercise responsible gun ownership.
The PNP has issued guidelines for carrying basic police equipment, while the Napolcom has prescribed penalties for violating these policies. The Private Security Service Industry Act (Republic Act No. 11917), which lapsed into law in July 2022, regulates private security companies and personnel, including their possession of firearms.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to determine how the two minor suspects obtained access to the firearms and whether any laws or issuances have been violated.