PNP files complaint vs gun owner in Zamboanga school shooting

Kat Wilcox via Wikimedia Commons

'Based on the findings, investigators found no evidence that the incident was carried out as part of a conspiracy involving any group, organization, or other individuals,' the PNP says

AT A GLANCE

• The Philippine National Police has filed a complaint against the owner of the gun used in the August 18 school shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, where a 10th grader was killed and another student injured.
• The police investigation revealed that the minor accessed the firearm due to lapses in firearm safekeeping and school security measures, with no evidence of conspiracy or personal grievances linked to the incident.
• Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla acknowledged the lack of conclusive links to online influences, while PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized the need for better gun security and school safety protocols.

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MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed with prosecutors a complaint against the owner of the gun used by a junior high school student who carried out the August 18 school shooting in Zamboanga City.

In a statement on Wednesday, August 26, the PNP said it has completed its investigation into the shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s (ADZU) junior high school campus. 

A 10th grader was killed before the perpetrator also shot himself. Another 15-year-old student was injured.

“With these findings, a complaint for Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide and Physical Injury was filed before the proper prosecutorial authority against the registered owner of the firearms used in the incident and a school security personnel, based on the evidence established during the investigation,” the PNP said. 

The PNP did not name the gun owner, but Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno previously confirmed that the minor used the handgun of his father, the district commander of the Enforcement and Security Services at the Port of Zamboanga. He has since been relieved from his duty. 

According to the police investigation, the minor was driven inside the school campus via his father’s private vehicle, bypassing standard security checks. The student took his father’s gun bag, which was supposedly left inside the vehicle, and used a ramp for persons with disabilities to enter the junior high school building.

For the PNP, it showed that “gaps in firearm safekeeping and accountability allowed unauthorized access to the firearms used, while security deficiencies in the school, particularly in entry and exit screening, contributed to the circumstances of the incident.”

“Based on the findings, investigators found no evidence that the incident was carried out as part of a conspiracy involving any group, organization, or other individuals,” the PNP also said.

During a House budget briefing on Thursday, August 27, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla admitted that there was no conclusive link that the True Crime Community Group, an online subculture where violent content is shared and discussed online, influenced the actions of the minor.

The PNP also said it “found no established school-related or personal grievance that could sufficiently explain the shooting.” However, police investigation “identified prior preparation and exposure to violent online material as among the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reminded gun owners to exercise greater care in securing their weapons, and urged schools and security personnel to conduct regular review on their access and screening measures.

Nartatez also encouraged parents and the public to promptly raise concerns involving threats, violent behavior, or other warning signs. 

The Zamboanga school shooting incident came over a month after the June 22 tragedy at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where two students opened fire, killing three students and injuring 20 others. 

The ADZU suspended regular classes until Friday, August 28, with the institution conducting in-person support activities, guided reflection, and pastoral care. – Rappler.com