Tacloban prosecutors approve indictment of 15-year-old in school shooting

September 3, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

The Tacloban City Prosecutor’s Office has approved the filing of 10 counts of charges against a 15-year-old student accused of opening fire at San Juan National High School on June 22, 2026.

Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato said prosecutors found that the 15-year-old Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL) acted with discernment and conspired with another minor.

The prosecutors ordered the filing of four counts of frustrated murder and six counts of attempted murder before the Regional Trial Court in Tacloban City.

Bail was recommended at P72,000 for each count of frustrated murder and P36,000 for each count of attempted murder.

Meanwhile, Dato said the 14-year-old co-accused is exempt from criminal liability because of his age.

The younger minor will instead be placed under the juvenile justice system and the jurisdiction of the local social welfare and development office for appropriate intervention programs.

DOJ Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez, however, clarified that a separate murder charge will also be filed in connection with the shooting.

“There is a separate charge for Murder,” Martinez said.#