Police officer who owned gun used in Tacloban shooting under restrictive custody —PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said the police officer who owns the firearm used in the deadly Tacloban school shooting has been placed under restrictive custody.

It was established that the female police officer owned the 9mm pistol used by her 14-year-old nephew in the incident at San Jose National High School, the PNP said.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr said administrative charges will be pursued against the said police officer.

Nartatez also ordered investigators to build a strong case against those who made accessible the firearms used by two minors in the shooting incident.

Investigators are also looking into the liability of the security agency which owns the .38 revolver also used in the school shooting.

“With all the pieces of evidence available, I expect a solid case that can stand in court. Let this serve as a warning to all registered gun owners on the responsibility—and accountability—that comes with the privilege of owning firearms,” Nartatez said.

The PNP chief said police officers and members of law enforcement agencies are aware of responsible gun ownership since it is part of their training program.

Coordination with DOJ

Nartatez also said the PNP will coordinate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) since the attackers in the Tacloban shooting are minors reportedly aged 14 and 15.

The PNP wants to ensure legal procedures are strictly followed in accordance with existing laws.

“Part of the investigation, however, is the determination of the accountability of the parents or guardians in relation to this unfortunate incident,” Nartatez said.

“And what we can also assure the public is that we will run after all those who made this possible, especially on the aspect of how these minors were able to have access to the firearms they used,” he said.

Nartatez earlier directed regional police units to coordinate more with school authorities and strengthen enforcement of school safety protocols, in accordance with the order of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

The PNP chief also asked the public to remain calm and cautious and not to share unverified information on social media.

“We also advise the public to remain calm and trust that the police are in control of the situation. The PNP urges everyone to refrain from sharing unverified information, which may only cause fear and panic among the public,” Nartatez said.

NAPOLCOM

Meanwhile, National Police Commission Commissioner Rafael Calinisan said they will conduct a motu proprio investigation into the possible administrative liability of the female police officer who owned the gun used in the incident.

"I have directed our NAPOLCOM Regional Director of Region 8 Dir. Risty Sibay to expedite their investigation. This investigation will run parallel, and in coordination with the investigation being conducted by the Philippine National Police," Calinisan said in a statement.

NAPOLCOM said the firearm used in the shooting incident was a Glock pistol established to be owned by the female police officer who was the aunt of one of the minors taken into custody by authorities.

"This intentional or negligent act of the policewoman in allowing her niece 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," Calinisan said.

The female police officer may face charges of grave misconduct or grave neglect, which is punishable by suspension, demotion, or dismissal from police service, he added.

"We are one with our Taclobanon brothers and sisters, and the whole nation, in seeking for justice regarding this incident," Calinisan said.

Three people died in the shooting incident. The PNP on Tuesday said those injured numbered 13. —KG, GMA News