DOJ to file criminal case vs aunt of minor in Tacloban shooting
MANILA, Philippines – State prosecutors have indicted a non-commissioned police officer after her gun was used by her nephew, a minor, in the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City.
In a message to reporters on Tuesday, August 25, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that Tacloban City prosecutors recommended the filing of charges for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and physical injuries against Police Staff Sergeant Arla Ray Paciencia. It is a bailable offense.
The DOJ said the resolution was issued last Thursday, August 20. Prosecutors are set to file the corresponding information with the Family Court at the Tacloban Regional Trial Court.
“The recommendation follows the preliminary investigation conducted on the complaint filed by parents and students of San Jose National High School, in connection with the shooting incident involving a child in conflict with the law,” the agency said.
“The DOJ trusts that the criminal process will proceed in accordance with the rules on due process for all parties concerned,” it added.
Two minors, 14 and 15, were arrested after they opened fire inside the school premises on June 22, a tragedy that killed three students and injured 20 others.
Paciencia is the aunt of 14-year-old alias Nash (not his real name), who is undergoing an intervention program.
Both minors are in the custody of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth in Tanauan, Leyte.
Paciencia was relieved from duty amid an investigation into the school shooting. The Philippine National Police previously said she would face summary dismissal proceedings.
In a Senate hearing in July, Paciencia alleged that her nephew broke into her house to get her gun. She said the minor forcibly damaged the locker where her gun, a 9mm Glock pistol, was stored.
Authorities monitoring online groomers
Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida also announced the indictment against Paciencia during the House appropriations committee deliberations on the proposed 2027 budget for the DOJ on Monday, August 24.
Vida said that findings from the investigation have been relayed to law enforcement agencies, including the alleged pattern of online groomers.
According to the police, alias Nash played GoreBox, a violent videogame, prior to the shooting incident.
Vida said that while games or platforms were benign, children were found to be invited to chatrooms where engagement with groomers start. He said the engagement was “really disturbing.”
“There is an invitation for them to join a separate chatroom where, based on the pattern that we saw, groomers are present, where they enhanced the level of violence, the level of getting more points… On particular details, this is subject of ongoing law enforcement activities,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.
National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag also assured lawmakers that they continuously conduct surveillance on alleged groups of online groomers. – Rappler.com
