‘Unacceptable:’ Marcos ‘heartbroken’ by Tacloban school shooting

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday condemned the recent incidents of school violence involving students as “unacceptable,” adding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is “heartbroken” by the Tacloban school shooting.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government earlier said it had foiled another potential school attack allegedly planned by a student in Tolosa, Leyte, just three days after two minors opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, killing three students.

READ: Leyte student held for online school attack threat

Aside from these, a Grade 9 student was also injured after being stabbed by a Grade 10 student outside a high school in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

“The violent incidents happening in our country are no longer acceptable, especially when young people are involved,” said Palace press officer Claire Castro in a briefing when asked how concerned Marcos is about these incidents.

“When the president learned about what happened in Tacloban, he was heartbroken. We can say that he was deeply affected because the individuals allegedly involved were young people who appeared capable of committing and even planning a crime, while innocent youths also became victims,” she continued.

READ: Cavite school urges public: Stop sharing classroom stabbing footage

She said Marcos has ordered an immediate probe into the causes of these violent incidents, including whether they are the result of imitation or linked to violent online games.

“The president has directed all concerned agencies to take the necessary steps to prevent this kind of violence, especially in schools and among the youth,” Castro said.

At a separate press briefing, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said a 14-year-old student was taken into police custody for allegedly posting on social media a threat to carry out a new attack at Tolosa National High School.

The Philippine National Police turned over the minor to the Department of Social Welfare and Development and later released her since she could not be charged under Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

Meanwhile, Castro also reacted to Amnesty International Philippines’ statement that lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility is not the solution to reducing juvenile crime.

“This will depend on the version of the proposed bill that may be drafted, which the president will study to determine what is most appropriate for the country’s youth,” she said.

READ: Palace: Marcos open to lowering age of criminal responsibility

Castro, at a briefing on Tuesday, said Marcos is open to lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility as investigations into the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City continue. She did not specify what age it could be lowered to.

However, the PNP said it is open to lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years old from the current 15. /das