By Lizbeth Ann Abella
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Education (DepEd) field office has welcomed the decision of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to dismiss from the police service the officer whose government-issued firearm was used in the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School last June 22.
In an official statement issued Thursday, DepEd schools division superintendent Sherlita Palma said the decision marks an important step toward accountability and highlights the responsibility of firearm owners, particularly law enforcement personnel, to ensure the proper safekeeping of their weapons and prevent unauthorized access.
The statement came after Napolcom ordered the dismissal of Police Staff Sergeant Arla Ray Paciencia of the Police Regional Office 8 Regional Finance Service Unit for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
The officer’s Philippine National Police-issued 9mm pistol was used by her 14-year-old nephew in the shooting incident that killed three students and injured several others.
The case drew attention to the importance of responsible firearm storage and the need to prevent unauthorized individuals, especially minors, from gaining access to government-issued weapons.
DepEd-Tacloban also remembered the learners who lost their lives, those who were injured, and the families and school community affected by the tragedy.
Palma said the Schools Division remains committed to supporting their recovery, healing and well-being, while strengthening school safety and security measures.
She added the division would continue enhancing learner protection mechanisms and sustaining psychosocial support services in coordination with concerned government agencies and other stakeholders.
The DepEd office also expressed respect for the legal and administrative processes being undertaken by the appropriate authorities, expressing hope that accountability and justice would be pursued in accordance with the law.
“The safety, protection, and well-being of every learner and school personnel remain our foremost priority,” the statement said.
The June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School prompted renewed calls for stronger school security, responsible firearm ownership and measures to protect learners from violence.
DepEd-Tacloban said it would continue working with concerned agencies and stakeholders to ensure that schools remain safe environments for students and personnel. (PNA)
