DOJ to file raps vs. 15-year-old minor over Tacloban shooting

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will file charges against the 15-year-old student involved in the deadly shooting incident in Tacloban City that left three dead and others critically wounded, agency officials said Thursday.

Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato said Tacloban prosecutors recommended four counts of frustrated murder and six counts of attempted murder.

"Our prosecutors found that he acted with discernment and in conspiracy with the second minor," Dato said in a press briefing.

"In general terms… if the [child in conflict with the law] has shown his ability to distinguish between right and wrong and still proceeded to commit the wrong," he later added.

Dato said 10 informations will be filed with the Tacloban regional trial court.

He said prosecutors recommended bail of P72,000 per each count of frustrated murder and P30,000 per each count of attempted murder. This means the total bail amount reaches P468,000.

Aside from this, the minor is facing three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder before the Family Court of the Tacloban RTC “for allegedly conspiring with a second, criminally-exempt minor.”

Five informations were filed on July 13, 2026, according to the DOJ.

In late June, two students aged 15 and 14 were involved in a shooting incident at the San Jose National High School in Barangay San Jose, Tacloban City.

Meanwhile, Dato said the 14-year-old is undergoing intervention.

The DOJ previously said it will also file charges for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and physical injuries against the aunt of one of the shooters.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida has said that there is a pattern that "groomers" are inviting children who play video games to join separate chat rooms.

Meanwhile, NBI Driector Melvin Matibag said the bureau has identified a "groomer" group with a supposed "tenet or bible," wherein members are incited to commit violence. — VDV/RSJ, GMA News