The Vanguard Posted on June 25, 2026 at 10:59 am
DILG Secretary says adults’ failure to secure firearms led to tragedy that killed 3 students
Authorities are now investigating the parents and aunt of the two teenage suspects behind the deadly school shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that left three students dead and 20 others wounded.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced Wednesday that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is looking into the accountability of the adults for their alleged negligence, which allowed the 14- and 15-year-old suspects to access firearms.
“Ang tinitingnan namin dito ay yung culpability ng tiyahin at ng magulang,” Remulla said, emphasizing that the adults failed in their duty to secure their weapons.
According to initial police investigation, the 14-year-old suspect used a Glock 17 pistol owned by his aunt, who is a police officer assigned to the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas. The 15-year-old suspect carried a .38-caliber revolver registered to a security agency based in Cebu.
The police officer-aunt may face criminal charges for malversation under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, along with administrative sanctions for negligence. The security agency that owned the second firearm could have its license revoked for failing to report a lost weapon.
Remulla stressed that gun owners have a legal and moral responsibility to keep their firearms away from minors.
The DILG chief also revealed that bullying appears to have triggered the violent attack. “Ang lumalabas sa initial feedback ay bullying gone wrong. Binu-bully daw ‘yung dalawang estudyanteng ‘yun at dahil doon ay na-influence sila sa video games,” he said.
The PNP is continuing its investigation to determine the full extent of liability of all parties involved.
The tragedy has sparked nationwide concern over school safety, gun access, and the impact of bullying on youth behavior. — The Vanguard News
Photo: DILG videograb
Suspected HVI Arrested in Catbalogan Buy-Bust, Shabu Recovered 
Case Filed Against 15-Year-Old Linked to Deadly Tacloban School Attack 
After Deadly School Shooting, DepEd Looks at Gaps in Campus Safety 
The Day the Silence Breaks: Tacloban’s Wake-Up Call 
Mayor Romualdez Calls for Thorough Investigation Into San Jose School Shooting, Vows Justice for Victims 
Auto Shop Owner Drives Growth, Jobs in Tacloban