MANILA – The deadly shooting inside a classroom at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that left three students dead and 20 others injured was planned for more than a month by the two suspects, both minors, police said Tuesday.

Eastern Visayas Police chief Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said investigators found that the 14- and 15-year-old suspects had been planning the attack since April or May.

"Based on our information, as early as May 1, kung hindi ako nagkakamali (If I'm not mistaken). April or May pa nilang pinagplanuhan (They had been planning for it since April or May)," Capoy said in a phone interview with Camp Crame reporters.

Capoy said three students — two female and one male — were killed in the attack, while 15 sustained gunshot wounds and five were injured after jumping to safety.

He also expressed alarm over reports circulating online that the suspects had coordinated how to bring firearms into the school and were aware of the provisions of Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

"Nakakabahala din dahil parang may alam sila. Inaral din nila. Nagbabasa din ng batas (It's alarming that they are familiar with the law)," he said.

Investigators said most of the bullets fired during the attack came from a Glock 9mm service firearm owned by a police officer, who is the aunt of one of the suspects.

He added that one of the suspects, the 14-year-old, was reportedly addicted to a mobile game called GoreBox, which supposedly features graphic violence and gun use.

Strong case

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered investigators to build a strong case against all individuals who may have enabled the minors to gain access to the firearms used in the attack.

He said separate administrative charges would be pursued against the policewoman who owns the 9mm pistol used by one of the suspects. The officer has been placed under restrictive custody while investigators also determine the liability of the security agency that owns the .38-caliber revolver recovered from the scene.

"With all the pieces of evidence available, I expect a solid case that can stand in court. Let this serve as a warning to all registered gun owners on the responsibility — and accountability — that comes with the privilege of owning firearms," Nartatez said in a statement on Tuesday.

National Police Commission (Napolcom) Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the agency would conduct a motu proprio investigation into the possible administrative liability of the policewoman.

"I have directed Napolcom Regional Director of Region 8 Dir. Risty Sibay to expedite their investigation. This investigation will run parallel, and in coordination with the investigation being conducted by the Philippine National Police," Calinisan said in a separate statement.

Nartatez stressed that police officers and other law enforcement personnel should fully understand the responsibilities that come with firearm ownership, as this is part of their training.

Parental guidance

The PNP chief also acknowledged public calls for justice but noted that the case involves minors and must be handled in accordance with existing laws and legal procedures.

He said the PNP would coordinate with the Department of Justice as the investigation progresses.

"Part of the investigation, however, is the determination of the accountability of the parents or guardians in relation to this unfortunate incident," he said.

Nartatez also called for stronger parental and school involvement in monitoring children's social media and gadget use following the incident.

"Parents and guardians serve as the first line of defense. They must be present and vigilant in their children's digital lives, treating their online activity with the same level of concern as their physical whereabouts," he said.

"We are also calling on our teachers and school administrators to act as our partners in this 'digital watch,' identifying early behavioral shifts or concerning interests in students so we can intervene long before any harm is done," he added.

Authorities are reviewing possible bullying angles and other social factors that may have contributed to the incident as part of a continuing investigation into the shooting.

Police investigators noted that one of the suspects had allegedly posted gun-related and violent videos online prior to the attack, including footage of himself firing a firearm. Authorities said these posts are now being examined as possible warning indicators that were not acted upon early.

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