The Department of Education affirmed their commitment to remain in direct contact and provide the necessary assistance with victims of the incident and families mourning their loss.
This will include rendering psychological and psychosocial support services for students and teachers suffering trauma.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has assured police units will continue safeguarding institutions through working closely with LGUs, school authorities, and parents.
One of the victims’ grieving mother questioned how the underaged suspects, grade 9 students aged 14 and 15, got their hands on the firearms in the first place.
Investigators uncovered that the 9mm pistol recovered allegedly belongs to one of the suspect’s aunt, working as a policewoman in the Police Regional Office Eastern Visayas (PRO 8).
The PNP has then confirmed the pistol was indeed issued, prompting the regional police office to hold her under their custody.
In violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, the suspect’s aunt faces having her gun license revoked due to negligence.
Under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, suspects aged 15 and below are exempt from criminal liability and are instead placed under intervention and rehabilitation programs.
In accordance with this, two suspects of the deadly incident at San Jose National High School are currently held under police custody awaiting intervention at the city social welfare development.
Beyond restoring safety and trust, the Department of Education has stepped in to aid victims traumatized from the incident with psychological and psychosocial support services.
Moving forward from this tragedy will take collective effort from national agencies as victims continue to recover and the pursuit of justice goes on.
