Mom of Tacloban school shooting victim cries for justice
THE SUSPECTS in the Tacloban City shooting are under restrictive custody.
TACLOBAN CITY – The grieving mother of an 11-year-old student of San Jose National High School here who was killed during a shooting Monday has sought justice for her daughter.
“I want the owners of the guns to be charged because they were the ones who provided access to the suspects,” she said. She urged authorities to investigate their alleged owners.
Her daughter was one of three students who were shot. She and one male student died on the spot. The third victim, a female, was declared dead on arrival in a hospital. Seven others were wounded.
She went to the school after not seeing her daughter in hospitals where the victims were taken. She waited until SOCO finished processing and the bodies were retrieved from the scene. She was able to identify her daughter through a photo shown to her by the authorities.
A photo has been circulating online alleging that the 14-year-old suspect was being trained to use a gun by his relative who is a police officer.
Unverified reports claimed that the 15-year-old suspect is a son of a soldier. Both Grade 9 students were seen in a photo holding a 9mm Glock and a caliber .38 pistol before the incident.
Authorities have yet to issue a statement on the ownership of the guns.
Police Regional Office-8 Director Police Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy commended responding personnel for their swift response that led the immediate arrest of the suspects.
"Our personnel acted swiftly to place the CICL involved under custody while strictly observing the provisions of Republic Act No. 9344 and ensuring the protection of their rights and welfare.”
“We assure the families of the victims and the public that a thorough, impartial, and child-sensitive investigation is underway. PRO-8 remains committed to pursuing justice through the proper legal process and maintaining peace and order in our communities," Capoy said.
The shooting happened while classes were ongoing. The Department of Education-Tacloban said the injured are recovering in hospitals.
The suspects are under investigation and restrictive custody.