The Philippine National Police said Tuesday the police officer who owned one of the firearms used in the deadly Tacloban City school shooting had been placed under restrictive custody.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said administrative charges would be pursued against the female police officer after investigators established that she owned the 9mm pistol used by her 14-year-old relative.
The firearm was allegedly used in the shooting at San Jose National High School, where three students were killed and 20 others were injured.
Nartatez ordered investigators to build cases against persons who allowed the two minors to gain access to the firearms used in the attack.
Police were also looking into the possible liability of the security agency that owned the .38 revolver used in the incident.
Nartatez said the PNP would coordinate with the Department of Justice to ensure that legal procedures were followed since the suspects were minors, reportedly aged 14 and 15.
He said investigators were also determining the accountability of parents or guardians, while urging the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information online.
The National Police Commission also launched a motu proprio investigation into the police officer’s possible administrative liability. Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Calinisan said the officer may face grave misconduct or grave neglect charges, which could lead to suspension, demotion, or dismissal from the police service.