Tacloban: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 8 (Eastern Visayas) assured the public that the two minor suspects in the June 22 mass shooting in this city will be held accountable under existing juvenile laws without special treatment.
According to Philippines News Agency, at a Friday press briefing, the DSWD-8 stated that both suspects are at the Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth (RRCY) in Tanauan, Leyte, where they are undergoing immediate DSWD intervention. The facility currently houses 30 Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL).
The two suspects at the DSWD-managed facility are restricted from leaving and are banned from using phones, accessing the internet, watching television, and regularly talking to their families. 'With these restrictions, there is somehow a penalty and accountability as a result of their action,' DSWD-8 Director Grace Subong said, adding that the suspects are sheltered in separate rooms given their age difference.
The official mentioned that professionals have been gradually speaking to the duo since the suspects are also shocked and processing the incident that killed three schoolmates and injured 20 others. 'We have talked to them and prepared the necessary interventions. We talk to them slowly to make sure they can respond and to provide proper care,' she added.
Alias "Rod", the 15-year-old CICL, underwent inquest proceedings filed by the Police Regional Office-8 at the Tacloban City Prosecutor's Office for three counts of murder, three counts of frustrated murder, and serious physical injury. 'In the event that the rehabilitation will fail, they will be referred to a regular jail facility when they reach the legal age. We will look into their state as a person, but it is the court's decision if they will be released or stay,' Subong told reporters.
The 14-year-old, alias 'Nash,' is exempt from criminal liability under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (RA 9344) but is also placed under long-term DSWD rehabilitation, which could take years. The younger suspect will undergo 'diversion,' an alternative process for determining responsibility and treatment for CICL without resorting to formal court proceedings. The diversion program will include adequate socio-cultural and psychological responses and services for the child.
RRCY began operations in February 1981 on a 2,969-square-meter lot in Barangay Sto. Nino, Tanauan, Leyte. It is located along Maharlika Highway and only 22 kilometers from this city.
