Two charged over Zamboanga school shooting

Criminal complaints have been filed against the father of the student involved in the fatal shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) Junior High School and a school security personnel, following a police investigation that uncovered lapses in firearm security and school access controls.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday that the father, a customs police officer, is the registered owner of the two firearms used in the August 18 incident, while the security personnel is being held accountable for deficiencies in school safety protocols.

The shooting left a Grade 10 student dead and another wounded before the shooter turned the gun on himself.

Investigators from the Police Regional Office 9-led Special Investigation Task Group found no evidence that the shooting was part of a conspiracy involving a group, organization or other individuals, according to the PNP.

The investigation also found no established school-related or personal grievance that could sufficiently explain the attack. However, investigators identified prior preparation and exposure to violent online material among the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The probe further determined that weaknesses in firearm safekeeping and accountability allowed unauthorized access to the weapons. Security deficiencies at the school, particularly in entry and exit screening, also contributed to the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Based on these findings, a complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and physical injury was filed before the proper prosecutorial authority against the firearms’ registered owner and the school security personnel.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said investigators must establish accountability based on evidence rather than speculation.

“We owe it to the families and to the school community to get the facts right. Hindi puwedeng puro assumptions (Mere assumptions are not acceptable). We follow the evidence, respect due process, and let the proper legal process determine accountability. At the same time, we have to learn from what happened and close the gaps that may put others at risk,” Nartatez said.

He urged firearm owners to exercise greater care in securing their weapons and called on schools and security personnel to regularly reassess access controls and screening procedures.

Nartatez also encouraged parents and the public to promptly report threats, violent behavior and other warning signs that could potentially place others at risk.

Department of Justice Undersecretary Ian Dato confirmed that the Office of the City Prosecutor of Zamboanga City has received a complaint against the shooter’s father.

“Of course, this will undergo proper evaluation, and as a matter of course, we will expect that some fines will be issued to the respondents so that issues can be properly ventilated and the prosecutors will have the chance to evaluate the complaint,” Dato said.

He stressed that the prosecution would base its action on the evidence and applicable law, taking into account the circumstances of the case.

“The unique circumstances of this incident, of course, we defer to the evaluation of the law enforcement agencies, and the National Prosecution Service will only act upon the evidence and the law that is before them, but I would assume that it would be a case-to-case basis depending on the unique circumstances of each case,” Dato added.

The case now moves to the prosecutorial process, where the complaints will undergo evaluation, and the respondents will have the opportunity to answer the allegations in accordance with due process.