PNP chief orders ‘all-out’ probe into Tacloban City school shooting

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the agency to launch an “all-out” investigation into a shooting at a school in Tacloban City that killed at least three students on Monday.

“On behalf of the men and women of the PNP, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims. Words are not enough to ease the pain of your loss, but we assure you that we will pursue all measures necessary in the interest of justice,” Nartatez said in a statement.

“The initial steps taken are to dig deeper into the incident through an all-out investigation to come up with measures to prevent a repeat of the incident in the future and in any school and academic institution,” he added.

READ: Both suspects in Tacloban City school shooting arrested — police

The shooting incident occurred at around 9 a.m. on Monday, when two Grade 9 students, aged 14 and 15, opened fire in at least two rooms inside the school premises in Barangay San Jose.

One of the suspects was taken into police custody inside the school, while his accomplice was arrested in the surrounding areas after some neighbors reported him to the police.

A Glock pistol and a caliber .38 revolver were confiscated from the suspects, according to Police Regional Office Eastern Visayas (PRO 8) director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy in a phone interview with reporters.

Capoy also noted that PRO 8 was investigating how the two minors managed to acquire the guns, including the possibility that they were related to law enforcers.

Meanwhile, Nartatez ordered police investigators to coordinate with the parents and school officials concerned as part of the probe.

The top cop also directed PRO 8 to coordinate with the government agencies and stakeholders concerned to provide psychological intervention for students and teachers affected by the incident. /mcm