Tacloban: The parents of the victims of the school shooting here expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for honoring their children during his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA).

According to Philippines News Agency, Erbea Fabian, mother of Chris Lorenz Fabian, said the President's recognition of the victims would help keep the memory of the tragedy alive. "We are grateful that the President remembered the shooting victims more than a month after the tragedy. We are seeking justice and join others in calling for a lower age of criminal accountability," Fabian stated.

Jennelyn Badoria, mother of Joyancee Separra, also thanked the President for acknowledging that the deaths of the students had become a painful lesson for the nation. "Thank you, President Marcos, for honoring our children. We hope that no similar act of violence will ever happen again in schools. We want all our children to be safe inside their classrooms," Badoria expressed.

Ariet Dazo, mother of Ayessa Nicole Dazo, conveyed her hope that the President would address the issue of criminal accountability for minors involved in heinous crimes. "It would have been good if he had mentioned it and pushed for the imprisonment or accountability of the 14-year-old. If children that age cannot be imprisoned, others may be encouraged to do the same," she remarked.

The 15-year-old suspect is facing criminal charges, while the 14-year-old cannot be held criminally liable under existing laws due to his age. Instead, the younger suspect will undergo a court-ordered intervention program.

During his 5th SONA, President Marcos paid tribute to the families of the students killed in the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban. "To the parents of Chris Lorenz Fabian, Joyancee Separra, and Ayessa Nicole Dazo: We are all so very proud of the unflinching bravery and heroic virtue that you have instilled in your children. They are an inspiration to us all," the President said, highlighting the courage and selflessness of the victims as true Filipino qualities.

The President noted that the Tacloban school shooting prompted stronger coordination among schools, government agencies, and local government units to enhance campus security. He emphasized the role of schools as a second home for children and the collective efforts of local government units, barangays, the PNP, and the Department of Education to strengthen security in schools.

The June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School resulted in the deaths of three students and injuries to 20 others.