Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, that criminal complaints have been referred to the local prosecutor’s office against the 15-year-old suspect in the school shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City. The incident on June 22 resulted in the deaths of three students and injuries to 20 others.
Charges Filed Against Minor Suspect
In an interview with reporters, Nartatez confirmed that charges for three counts of murder, frustrated murder, and multiple counts of serious physical injuries have been filed against alias Rod, the 15-year-old suspect. The complaints have been forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for further legal action.
Alias Rod and another suspect, alias Nash, aged 14, both in the ninth grade, opened fire inside their school on June 22. They were arrested immediately after the shooting and turned over to the city social welfare and development office.
Legal Framework Under Juvenile Justice Law
PNP Public Information Office acting chief Colonel Allan Rae Co explained that the 15-year-old suspect is above the age threshold for criminal responsibility under Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. If authorities determine that he understood the consequences of his actions, he may undergo regular judicial proceedings. Under the law, children aged 15 and below are generally exempt from criminal liability, while those above 15 but below 18 may be held liable if they acted with discernment.
Investigation Reveals Premeditation
Based on the initial investigation by the Police Regional Office Eastern Visayas (PRO 8), the minor suspects planned the crime for over a month. Screenshots of their exchanged messages before the shooting were recovered. The 14-year-old suspect used the service weapon of his police aunt, who is assigned at PRO 8, while the 15-year-old used a gun traced to his grandfather, a former security guard.
Police reported that alias Rod fired only one shot, with active ammunition still recovered from his weapon. In contrast, the younger suspect fired at least 40 shots and even managed to change his magazine during the incident.
Possible Motives Under Investigation
Investigators are looking into reports that both suspects were victims of bullying. Police are also considering the 14-year-old suspect’s addiction to a violent mobile game as a contributing factor. The minor suspects were reportedly aware that they would not be detained due to the provisions of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
