Two 14- and 15-year-old students opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22, 2026, killing three classmates and wounding seven. The guns came from a relative; both suspects were arrested. The school shooting highlights Philippine firearm regulations and juvenile justice rules. (Facebook/Metropolitan Mindanao Broadcasting Network)
Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines (Daily Sun Chronicle) — Two teenage students opened fire Monday at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, killing three fellow students and wounding at least seven others in a rare school shooting that has spotlighted the Philippines’ strict gun laws and rules governing minors who commit crimes.
The suspects, aged 14 and 15 and both students at the school, were arrested. They allegedly used a 9mm Glock pistol and a .38 caliber revolver. Authorities are investigating the motive.
Strict Gun Control Laws
Philippine law tightly regulates firearms under Republic Act No. 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act of 2013. Civilians must be at least 21 years old to obtain a License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) from the Philippine National Police. Applicants face background checks, income verification, psychological and drug tests, safety training, and clearances.
Minors under 21 cannot legally own, possess, or carry firearms. Separate permits are required to carry guns outside the home, and illegal possession carries stiff penalties, including years in prison. The law aims to curb crime amid a history of illegal firearms in circulation, though civilian ownership is more common than in many other Asian nations.
In this case, the guns were reportedly not legally accessible to the young suspects. One pistol was said to belong to a relative, raising questions about storage and access. Licensed owners must secure firearms in locked containers; negligence can lead to revocation of licenses or charges.
Liability for Minors in Crimes
Under Republic Act 9344, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, minors face different rules:
- Children 15 and younger are exempt from criminal liability but undergo intervention or rehabilitation programs.
- Those above 15 but under 18 may also receive intervention unless they acted with “discernment” (understanding the consequences), in which case proceedings follow but prioritize rehabilitation over adult punishment. They avoid adult jails.
The exemption from criminal liability does not extend to civil liability. Parents or guardians can face charges for contributing to delinquency or negligence if they allowed access to weapons. They are often vicariously liable for damages under the Civil Code if they failed to exercise proper supervision.
The actual firearm owner could face separate charges for illegal transfer or failure to secure the weapon under RA 10591.
Context and Response
School shootings remain rare in the Philippines compared to the United States. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a thorough investigation and heightened security at schools following the Tacloban incident.
The case underscores ongoing challenges: enforcing age restrictions and secure storage, addressing juvenile access to guns often linked to family or relatives, and balancing rehabilitation for young offenders with public safety and accountability for adults who enable such access. Outcomes for the suspects will follow juvenile justice protocols, while any adult enablers could face adult penalties.
About The Author
