Teenage Suspect Charged with Murder in Tacloban Shooting

Teenage Suspect Charged with Murder in Tacloban Shooting

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | June 25, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – A 15-year-old student is now facing serious criminal charges, including three counts of murder and multiple counts of frustrated and serious physical injuries, following a tragic shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban. 

The complaint was formally filed against the juvenile suspect, identified by authorities as “Alias Rod,” for his alleged involvement in the Monday morning attack that left three students dead and several others wounded.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Public Information Chief Col. Allen Rae Co confirmed the charges, detailing the gravity of the situation during a press briefing at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) headquarters in Camp Crame.

The harrowing incident, which also involved a 14-year-old suspect identified as “Alias Nash,” plunged the school into chaos. Classrooms bore the stark evidence of the terror, with overturned chairs, scattered furniture, and abandoned school bags painting a grim picture of students’ frantic escape. 

Police and emergency responders immediately secured the campus, cordoning off affected areas as the investigation into the motives and circumstances behind the shooting intensifies.

Both minors are currently under the joint custody of the police and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. This case highlights the complexities of juvenile justice, particularly under Republic Act No. 9344, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. 

This legislation stipulates that children 15 years old and younger are exempt from criminal liability, instead being channeled into intervention programs. 

However, the law further dictates that individuals aged 15 to under 18 can be held criminally liable if their actions are determined to have been committed with discernment. 

The determination of “discernment” will be a critical factor in the ongoing legal proceedings for the 15-year-old accused.

The PNP has also indicated a focus on enhanced coordination with the Department of Education following this and other recent school-related attacks, underscoring a pressing need to review and strengthen school security protocols nationwide.

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