DOJ: Minor faces multiple murder charges over Tacloban school shooting

TRAGEDY. San Jose National High School after a shooting incident that left three students dead and 11 others injured, on June 22, 2026.

PIA Tacloban

Three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder are filed against the 15-year-old student

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed multiple murder charges against the 15-year-old student tagged in the June 22 school shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City which killed three students and injured 20 others.

Following the inquest proceedings on July 13, Tacloban City prosecutors filed three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder against the 15-year-old boy before the Family Court of Tacloban City Regional Trial Court on July 13, the DOJ announced on Thursday, September 3. 

The agency said that the minor allegedly conspired with a 14-year-old boy who was found to be not criminally liable.

“The murder case is pending in court,” it said. 

In the press briefing, Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato disclosed that Tacloban prosecutors ordered the filing of additional charges against the 15-year-old student:

• Four counts of frustrated murder, with recommended bail of P72,000 for each count
• Six counts of attempted murder, with recommended bail of P36,000 for each count

According to Dato, Tacloban prosecutors found that the 15 year old “acted with discernment” and in “conspiracy with a second minor.”

“If the CICL (child in conflict with the law) has shown his ability to distinguish between right and wrong and still proceeded to commit the wrong, his acts prior, during, and after the incident would form the context within which to determine discernment,” Dato explained without mentioning specifics of the case.

He said that while the local social welfare and development official initially determines discernment of the CICL, it is not binding on the prosecutors. 

“The prosecutors have looked into the entirety of the documentary evidence. I believe some psychological reports have been looked into,” the DOJ official added. 

Although the 14-year-old student is exempt from criminal liability, the Department of the Interior and Local Government previously said he would undergo an intervention program. 

On August 18, another fatal school shooting incident occurred, this time in Zamboanga City. Two students were killed at Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s junior high school campus, including the perpetrator.

The incidents have sparked discussions of responsible gun ownership, strengthening school safety, and addressing mental health issues among the youth. – Rappler.com