1 hour ago Copied! Tacloban shooting suspect's violent behavior linked to online game The Philippine National Police is looking into the possibility that the violent behavior of one of the two minor suspects in Monday's fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City may have been influenced by the online game GoreBox. In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Tuesday, Police Brig. Gen. Jayson Capoy, director of the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas, said the 14-year-old suspect had been playing GoreBox, a sandbox-style game that allows players to create and destroy objects and simulate chaos using various weapons. 1 hour ago Copied! Tacloban school shooting may be 'premeditated' — DepEd exec An official of the Department of Education (DepEd) said Tuesday there are “indications” pointing that the shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on Monday was supposedly planned. Dr. Malcolm Garma, DepEd Undersecretary for Operations, said initial reports showed that the two minors’ motive for the shooting may be due to bullying. However, he pointed out that the attacks were "sporadic and random," not targeted. “Based on the initial investigation, mukhang meron talagang plano. Parang premeditated talaga ‘yung ginawa ng dalawang bata,” Garma said in an interview on Unang Balita. (Based on the initial investigation, it seems that there really was a plan. It seems like what the two children did was premeditated.) 3 hours ago Copied! Erwin Tulfo seeks Senate probe into Tacloban shooting Senator Erwin Tulfo on Tuesday called for an immediate Senate investigation into the fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that left three students dead and several others wounded. In a statement, Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development, urged his fellow senators to include the incident in the ongoing inquiry on Senate Bills 441 and 1582, which seek to expand the coverage of the Anti-Bullying Act. He said the probe aims to determine whether there were lapses on the part of the school and to recommend measures to prevent similar attacks in the future, citing initial reports that pointed to bullying as the alleged motive behind the shooting involving minor suspects. Read more: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/992398/erwin-tulfo-seeks-senate-probe-into-tacloban-shooting/story/ More stories: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/gmanews/ 3 hours ago Copied! Grandmother of Tacloban shooting victim cries for justice “Porket bata hindi sila mananagot?” This is the cry of the grandmother of one of the victims in the tragic shooting incident at a private school in Tacloban City that left three students dead and numerous others injured. “Pumunta po kami dito para mabigyan sila ng magandang kinabukasan pero ngayon ito po sila. Iniwan po namin ‘yung probinsya namin para makahanap buhay kami dito, mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ‘yung mga apo ko,” she said in an interview with GMA News' Emil Sumangil. (We came here so they could have a better future, but now this is what has happened to them. We left our province to earn a living here and give my grandchildren a better future.) “Paano pa niya matitikman ‘yun? Andyan na siya. Asan ‘yung hustisya dito?” (How can my grandchild still experience that? My grandchild is gone. Where is the justice in this?) Read more: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/992397/grandmother-of-tacloban-shooting-victim-cries-for-justice/story/ More stories: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/gmanews/ 3 hours ago Copied! 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 4 hours ago Copied! Sara Duterte urges gov't to 'act now' to make schools safer Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday called on the national government to implement immediate measures to make schools safer and ensure better protection of students, following the fatal shooting in a Tacloban City school. Duterte, former secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), stressed that the Tacloban shooting was not the first time learners were harmed either inside schools or during school activities, citing the deaths of two Ateneo student-athletes, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, during a training camp. “The continuing loss of young lives should serve as a wake-up call to this administration. The government must act now to make our schools safer and to better protect our learners,” she said. The vice president also said that what children learn, who influences them, and the values they carry with them outside the classroom “are deeply intertwined with national security and stability.” Therefore, she emphasized that the government must confront the “serious gaps” in its ability to protect the youth. “Our learners must be protected from radical influences, whether they come from outside the school, from online platforms, or from individuals who take advantage of the vulnerabilities of young people," Duterte said. "More importantly, they must be protected from abuse, neglect, and violence within the very institutions entrusted with their welfare,” she added. Three people were killed in the shooting inside the San Jose National High School in Barangay San Jose, Tacloban City on Monday. Thirteen others were injured, the Philippine National Police said Tuesday. Two of the minor-aged suspects were into police custody. They underwent paraffin tests and medical examinations and were expected to be transferred to a CICL Center in Barangay Tagpuro in Tacloban City under the custody of the city social welfare and development office. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA News 5 hours ago Copied! PNP calls on parents, teachers to monitor minors' online activity The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday urged parents and teachers to monitor children's use of social media and gadgets after a fatal shooting incident in a school in Tacloban City on Monday. "Parents and guardians serve as the first line of defense. They must be present and vigilant in their children's digital lives, treating their online activity with the same level of concern as their physical whereabouts," PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said. “We are also calling on our teachers and school administrators to act as our partners in this 'digital watch,' identifying early behavioral shifts or concerning interests in students so we can intervene long before any harm is done,” Nartatez added. The PNP said this is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. through the guidance of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla "to strengthen community-based prevention measures and improve early detection of youth-related violence indicators." On Monday, two students were taken into custody by authorities after allegedly firing guns inside San Jose National High School in Barangay San Jose, Tacloban City. Three students died while 13 others were wounded, according to PNP. Nartatez said the shooting incident showed how early online behavior may be indicative of possible violent intent. The PNP said bullying and other social factors are being looked into as possible factors that may have contributed in the incident. One of the students taken into custody reportedly posted gun-related and violent videos online before the incident, including one showing himself firing a gun, according to police. “The warning signs are often subtle—social withdrawal, obsession with violent imagery, or the use of radicalized language—and when these red flags appear, early reporting to local police or school authorities is not just a precaution but a necessity to save lives,” Nartatez said. The PNP said it is coordinating with education officials to have measures in schools nationwide to prevent similar incidents from occurring. “We are currently working with the Department of Education to formalize these safety protocols because securing our schools is a shared, non-negotiable responsibility that requires the constant, active involvement of every adult in a child’s circle of trust,” Nartatez said. —KG, GMA News 7 hours ago Copied! CWC calls for stronger school safety, child protection amid Tacloban school shooting The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) on Monday called for stronger school safety and child protection mechanisms in the wake of the school shooting incident in Tacloban City and recent stabbing incidents in Cavite. In a statement, the CWC – an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) expressed its strong condemnation and grave concern over the recent violent incidents reported in schools. “These incidents have resulted in injuries, the loss of young lives, and deep emotional distress among learners, families, school communities, and the public,” it said. The CWC stressed that schools “must remain safe spaces where children can learn, develop, and thrive free from fear, violence, and harm.” “The occurrence of these violent incidents within educational settings serves as a serious reminder that protecting children requires constant vigilance and a sustained, whole-of-government and whole-of-society response,” the agency said. The incidents also underscored the “urgent need to further strengthen school-based child protection mechanisms, mental health programs, violence prevention initiatives, and early intervention systems.” “Schools must be adequately supported with guidance services, psychosocial support programs, child protection structures, and referral mechanisms capable of identifying risks, addressing behavioral concerns, and preventing violence before it occurs,” the CWC added. The agency made the remarks amid the school shooting incident in Tacloban City that left three dead and 11 injured on Monday morning. Two of the minor-aged suspects are in custody. Before this, a Grade 8 learner allegedly entered a Grade 5 classroom at a private school in General Trias City, Cavite on June 16 and stabbed seven learners. A few days later on June 20, a Grade 11 learner allegedly stabbed a schoolmate following a confrontation inside the premises of a public high school in Cavite City. The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is treating the stabbing incidents in Cavite as isolated cases. The CWC extended its sympathies to the families of the children who were killed in the Tacloban City school shooting. “We call for the immediate provision of comprehensive medical, psychosocial, and mental health support to all affected learners, families, teachers, and school personnel. Beyond physical injuries, the emotional and psychological impact of these incidents must be addressed through timely and sustained interventions,” it said. It welcomed and supported President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for a thorough investigation of the school shooting incident in Tacloban City, as well as the ongoing probes of the stabbing incidents in Cavite. The CWC stressed that children in conflict with the law (CICL) should not be treated as criminals, but as children requiring intervention and protection under Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. It said concerned government agencies, local government units (LGUs), educational institutions, communities, parents, and caregivers should work together in creating environments where all children feel safe, heard, supported, and protected. “Preventing violence requires more than security measures alone. It requires strengthening relationships, promoting emotional well-being, teaching peaceful conflict resolution, addressing bullying and behavioral concerns, and ensuring that children who may be experiencing difficulties receive timely and appropriate support,” the CWC added. It urged the public to immediately report incidents of violence, abuse, bullying, neglect, exploitation, or any situation that places a child at risk to the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 through the following mechanisms: Call 1383 Smart: 0919-354-1383 | Globe: 0915-802-2375 Chat via Makabata Helpline 1383 Facebook and Instagram Email: makabatahelpline@cwc.gov.ph Report through the eGovPH app of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and select “child abuse.” — JMA, GMA News 7 hours ago Copied! Baril ng pulis at security agency ang ginamit ng 2 suspek sa Tacloban school shooting Aabot sa 40 basyo ng bala ng mga baril ang nakita ng mga imbestigador sa paaralan kung saan namaril ang dalawang menor de edad na estudyante sa San Jose National High School sa Tacloban City. Ang dalawang baril na ginamit ng mga suspek, service firearm ng isang pulis, habang sa isang security agency naman ang isa pa. Tatlong tao ang kumpirmadong nasawi sa naturang insidente, habang 11 naman ang sugatan sa nangyaring pamamaril nitong Lunes ng umaga. Sa ulat ni Sam Nielsen sa Super Radyo dzBB, sinabing isa sa mga baril na ginamit ng suspek -- 9mm Glock pistol -- ay service firearm ng isang pulis na tiyahin ng suspek. Samantala, nakarehistro naman sa isang security agency sa Cebu City ang isa pang baril na .38 caliber revolver. Ayon kay PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Allen Rae Co, nagpalit pa ng magazine o nagkarga ng panibagong mga bala ang isa sa mga suspek na gumamit ng 9mm nang maganap ang insidente. Nasa kustodiya na ng pulisya ang dalawang menor de edad na isang 14-anyos at isang 15-anyos na umano'y sangkot sa insidente. Samantala, isinailalim na sa restrictive custody ang babaeng pulis na may-ari ng isa sa mga baril na ginamit sa krimen, ayon sa PRO 8. Sinabi ng mga awtoridad, ipinasok ng isa sa mga suspek ang baril sa loob ng paaralan na inilagay sa sling bag, habang hindi naman napansin ng guwardiya ng paaralan ang isa pang suspek. “Sad to say, ma’am, hindi nila, hindi talaga sila nag-i-inspect lalo na kung identified naman nila na student ng school, hindi po,” sabi ni PRO 8 spokesperson Police Major Analiza Armeza sa panayam ng dzBB. Ayon kay Armeza, hindi mananagot sa kasong kriminal ang 14-anyos na suspek, ang kamag-anak ng pulis, alinsunod sa Republic Act No. 9344 o Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. “Exempted from criminal liability. However, ire-refer din namin 'yun for appropriate intervention ng City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO),” saad ni Armeza. Samantala, sasailalim sa pagsusuri ng CSWDO tungkol sa pananagutan ang 15-anyos na suspek. Kapag napatunayang kumilos siya nang may sapat na pag-unawa o discernment, maaari siyang sampahan ng naaangkop na mga kaso. “If ever man ma-convict siya… suspended sentence po yan kasi yung nga children in conflict with the law (CICL) sila,” dagdag ni Armeza. — FRJ GMA News