MANILA, Philippines – The Police National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas has relieved a non-commissioned police officer whose gun was used in the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City on Monday, June 22.

Two students, aged 14 and 15, carried out the shooting at the San Jose National High School that killed three students.

Police said on Tuesday, June 23, there were 20 others who were wounded, of which 15 sustained gun-related injuries and remain under medical care in various hospitals.

Investigation showed that the 9mm Glock pistol seized from one of the two minors involved in the shooting was registered to the police officer – the aunt of one of the suspects – assigned to a PNP support unit. The PNP did not identify the police officer.

“She has now been placed under restrictive custody and her designation has been terminated,” police said.

“We assure the public that all investigative and legal procedures are being conducted thoroughly, impartially, and transparently. We remain committed to uncovering the facts surrounding this incident and ensuring that all persons found responsible are held accountable under the law,” said Brigadier General Jason Capoy, PNP-Eastern Visayas director.

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) said it would conduct a motu proprio investigation into the possible administrative liability of the policewoman, running in parallel with the PNP probe.

“This intentional or negligent act of the policewoman in allowing her nephew to use her issued firearm led to the death of three teenagers, and the wounding of many others. She has a lot of explaining to do,” Napolcom vice chairperson and executive officer Rafael Vincent Calinisan said.

“Depending on the result of the investigation of our Napolcom Region 8, the policewoman may face grave misconduct or grave neglect charges, which is punishable by suspension, demotion or even dismissal from the police service,” he added.

The two minors, considered children in conflict with the law, are now under the custody of the Tacloban City Social Welfare and Development Office and are undergoing legal and intervention procedures, according to the Police Regional Office VIII.

Senate probe set

Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros said she would lead an investigation into the school shooting on July 1. She heads the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality.

“Sa July 1, muli nating bubuksan ang pagdinig para alamin kung may papel ang mga online platforms sa pagkalat ng mararahas na ideya. Nagiging pugad ng mga grupong nambe-brainwash at nagra-radicalize sa mga bata,” Hontiveros said.

(On July 1, we will open the hearing to determine whether online platforms have a role in spreading violent ideas. They are becoming a hive of groups brainwashing and radicalizing children.)

Initial police investigation found that the 14-year-old suspect played GoreBox, a violent shooting video game, prior to the shooting.

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center has temporarily banned the gaming app to allow authorities to conduct a “thorough assessment and whether the platform played any role in the actions of the suspects.”

In a hearing last April, the Senate committee found that online platforms and gaming spaces were allegedly used to “groom, manipulate, and radicalize children into violence,” Hontiveros said.

She added that her panel also learned that online platforms have been used for online sexual abuse, exploitation, grooming, and extortion of children.

The senator said someone should be held accountable, as Big Tech cannot only think of profits while families and schools face tragedies.

“Hindi natin hihintayin na magkaroon ng sunod pang biktima bago kumilos. Dapat makapasok ang bawat bata sa paaralan nang ligtas at makauwi rin nang ligtas sa kanilang pamilya,” Hontiveros said.

(We will not wait for more victims before we act. Every child must enter schools and go home to their families safely.)

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– Rappler.com