Teen ‘brain dead’ after being shot inside a school in Laguna

MANILA, Philippines — A Grade 7 student was critically hurt after he was shot inside a classroom in Laguna province on Thursday afternoon, the Calamba City Police said.

The 15-year-old was declared “brain dead” at the hospital after he was shot twice inside a classroom of a public school in Barangay (village) Masili, Calamba City around 12:30 p.m.

Initial investigation showed the victim was having lunch inside the classroom when the suspect identified as Renz Ivan Balderama, said to be in his 30s, entered the room and shot the teenager twice.

The suspect reportedly had a relationship with the victim, according to case investigator Police Patrolman Ann May Austria.

Based on witnesses’ stories, Balderama casually entered the school and headed straight to the victim’s classroom.

“He may have been able to get inside as he must be a familiar face that people in the school often saw with the victim,” Austria said in a phone interview.

After shooting the victim, Austria said Balderama threatened to shoot another person before making his way out of the school.

“He first tried to leave through a smaller gate (of the school) but decided not to because there were many people there. So he got out through the main gate,” she added.

Police said the suspect carried a short firearm. Police also said they have yet to determine the suspect’s motive in shooting the teenager.

Police said they are conducting further investigation and have launched a manhunt against the suspect. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)