Criminal charges have been filed against the father of the student who carried out the fatal shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) Junior High School and a school security personnel over lapses linked to the Aug. 18 incident, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday.
The father, a customs police officer, was the registered owner of the two firearms used by his child, while the security personnel was held accountable for deficiencies in school safety protocols, the PNP said.
The shooter killed a Grade 10 student, wounded another and later died by suicide.
A Police Regional Office 9-led Special Investigation Task Group found no evidence that the shooting was part of a conspiracy involving any group, organization or other individuals.
Investigators also found no established school-related or personal grievance that could sufficiently explain the shooting. However, the probe identified prior preparation and exposure to violent online material among the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The investigation also found gaps in the safekeeping and accountability of firearms that allowed unauthorized access to the weapons used in the shooting.
Security deficiencies at the school, particularly in entry and exit screening, also contributed to the circumstances surrounding the incident, according to the PNP.
Based on the findings, investigators filed a complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and physical injury against the father, as the registered firearm owner, and the school security personnel before the proper prosecutorial authority.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said investigators must establish accountability based on evidence and due process.
“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,” Nartatez said.
Nartatez also reminded firearm owners to secure their weapons properly and urged schools and security personnel to regularly review access controls and screening procedures.
He also called on parents and the public to report concerns involving threats, violent behavior or other warning signs.
Department of Justice Undersecretary Ian Dato confirmed that the Office of the City Prosecutor of Zamboanga City had received a complaint against the shooter’s father.
Dato said the complaint would undergo evaluation by prosecutors, who would assess the evidence and applicable laws before determining the appropriate action.
He said the circumstances of the case would be evaluated based on its specific facts and evidence.
The PNP said the investigation also aims to identify gaps in firearm security and school safety measures that could be addressed to prevent similar incidents.
Contributed photo
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