Case Filed Against 15-Year-Old Linked to Deadly Tacloban School Attack

Posted on June 25, 2026 at 8:21 am

TACLOBAN CITY – Authorities have filed criminal complaints against a 15-year-old student accused of taking part in the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School that left three students dead and several others injured.

Police confirmed on Wednesday, June 24, that complaints for three counts of murder, three counts of frustrated murder, and multiple counts of serious physical injuries were filed before the Tacloban City Prosecutor’s Office on June 23, 2026.

Police Lieutenant Evalyn Diaz, spokesperson of the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO), said the 15-year-old suspect will undergo inquest proceedings, a special type of preliminary investigation conducted for individuals arrested without a warrant.

The other student allegedly involved in the shooting, a 14-year-old, will undergo an intervention program under Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.

Under the law, children aged 15 and below are exempt from criminal liability and are instead placed under intervention and rehabilitation programs. Minors above 15 but below 18 years old may also be exempt from criminal liability unless it is proven that they acted with discernment.

Both minors remain under the custody of the Tacloban City Social Welfare and Development Office.

The shooting occurred on June 22 at San Jose National High School. Three students were killed, while 15 others sustained gunshot wounds. Five more students were injured in the incident.

Initial police findings indicate that the attack may have been planned. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the shooting and how the minors gained access to the firearms allegedly used.

Investigators said the 14-year-old suspect allegedly used a Glock 17 9mm pistol owned by her aunt, a non-commissioned police officer. The officer has since been relieved from duty pending the outcome of the investigation.

The 15-year-old suspect, meanwhile, allegedly used a .38-caliber revolver registered to a security agency based in Cebu City.

Following the incident, the Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas increased police visibility around schools, intensified patrol operations, and strengthened coordination with local government units and school officials.

The Department of Education in Tacloban City has also ordered the stricter enforcement of school security measures, including tighter inspections at school entrances. Schools in other parts of the country, including Metro Manila, have likewise begun implementing enhanced security protocols.

Parents of the victims, however, questioned why the 14-year-old suspect was not present during the filing of complaints.

Erbea Fabian, mother of slain 15-year-old student Chris Lorenz Fabian, addressed the families of the minors allegedly involved in the shooting.

“Nakagawa po sila ng pagkakamali kasi may pagkakamali rin po kayo. Tinuruan n’yo po sila kung paano humawak ng armas nang wala pa sa tamang edad,” Fabian said in an exclusive interview.

Authorities continue to investigate the case, including whether other individuals may face charges for allowing minors access to firearms.

Photos by: Jazmin Bonifacio