Tacloban school shooting suspects placed under strict rehab

Authorities have placed two minors involved in the recent school shooting in Tacloban City under intensive rehabilitation and evaluation, as government agencies work to uncover the factors behind the tragic incident.

The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) confirmed that the children in conflict with the law (CICLs) are now in the custody of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth (RRCY), operated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 8 in Eastern Visayas.

Both minors are currently undergoing psychological assessments and behavioral evaluations.

JJWC Executive Director Tricia Clare Oco said the two are being handled with caution and are not being integrated with other residents of the facility for now.

“Yung sa dalawang bata ngayon, hindi pa sila hinahalo doon sa ibang mga bata. Hindi rin sila pinagsasamang dalawa kase ino-observe pa sila. We don’t recommend na i-isolate forever ang isang bata kasi baka makalimutan niya na siya ay bata. Ang gusto kasi natin, maibalik sa dati [ang kaniyang pag-iisip] bago niya ma-commit ‘yung krimen na’yun,” Oco said during a media forum in Quezon City.

Oco emphasized that Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, mandates the rehabilitation of young offenders while ensuring accountability.

She stressed that despite their age, the minors are subject to strict supervision within the facility. “Inside the facility, the CICLs are strictly monitored and their movements are restricted, similar to persons deprived of their liberty,” she said.

Authorities are also considering possible legal action against the parents of the minors, depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, DSWD officials clarified that the rehabilitation center imposes tight controls on the minors’ daily activities. Director Edwin Morata of the agency’s Crisis Intervention Program explained, “Wala silang access to everything. Restricted. Even ‘yung pagkain nila, even yung pag visit sa kanila. Ang tinitignan natin kasi dito is for them to bring back this kid doon sa idea na dapat may mga sinusunod tayong polisiya pagdating natin ng komunidad.”