A policewoman whose service firearm was allegedly used in the school shooting incident in Tacloban City is facing possible dismissal from the Philippine National Police and may also face criminal charges, authorities said.
PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said the policewoman, who is also the aunt of one of the minor suspects, has been placed under restrictive custody while undergoing a pre-charge investigation and summary dismissal proceedings.
According to Co, the police officer may face administrative sanctions and possible criminal liability related to the loss of her service firearm.
Authorities are also looking into potential civil liabilities arising from the incident.
Initial investigation showed that the 9mm Glock 17 pistol recovered from a 14-year-old suspect was issued to the policewoman, who is assigned to the Police Regional Office 8.
Investigators are continuing efforts to determine how the service firearm came into the possession of the minor and was later allegedly used in the shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.
The police officer remains under investigation as authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the transfer and custody of the firearm.
The shooting incident occurred at the school on Monday and resulted in the deaths of three students, while more than 20 other individuals were injured.
Authorities have yet to disclose additional findings regarding how the firearm was obtained or whether other individuals may face charges in connection with the case.
The Philippine National Police said the investigation remains ongoing as officials seek to establish accountability and determine whether existing firearm control protocols were violated.
The case has drawn attention to the handling and security of government-issued firearms as investigators continue to gather evidence related to the deadly incident.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
