A 15-year-old high school student is now facing multiple criminal charges over a deadly shooting inside a school in Tacloban City that killed three students and injured 20 others earlier this week.
Eastern Visayas police confirmed that a complaint was filed at around 9 pm Tuesday before the Tacloban City Prosecutor’s Office against the suspect, identified as “Rod,” a Grade 9 student aged 15 years and two months.
The charges include three counts of murder, three counts of frustrated murder, and multiple counts of physical injuries.
Police said “Rod” was the only suspect charged in the case, following the exclusion of a second minor linked to the incident.
“The criminal complaint was filed last night at around 9 p.m. against one CICL (Child in Conflict with the Law),” Eastern Visayas Police spokesperson Lt. Col. Analiza Almeza said in a radio interview.
Investigators said the decision to file charges was based on findings that the suspect acted with discernment, a legal requirement under Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, which governs the criminal liability of minors.
Under the law, children 15 years old and below are exempt from criminal liability, while those above 15 and below 18 may still be held criminally liable if proven to have acted with discernment.
Authorities said a second suspect, a 14-year-old Grade 10 student identified as “Nash,” was not included in the criminal complaint due to his age. Instead, he will be subjected to an intervention program under the same law.
Police officials said initial findings indicate that the two students may have been planning the attack as early as May 1, with investigators also looking into possible bullying as a triggering factor.
The case has prompted renewed discussion on school safety, youth violence, and the application of juvenile justice provisions as authorities continue to gather evidence and build the case against the charged suspect.
Eastern Visayas police said the filing followed a review of evidence and witness accounts, while assuring that due process is being observed as the investigation continues.