Tacloban city: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Wednesday expressed openness to discussions on reducing the minimum age of criminal responsibility following a fatal school shooting involving minors in the city.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian, who also leads the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council as DSWD chief, stated that the agency aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s stance on this matter. He mentioned that on July 1, the agency would participate in a Senate hearing where the potential adjustment of the age of criminal responsibility under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act will be among the topics discussed.

The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality is set to resume its investigation into digital child safety on July 1, prompted by the school shooting tragedy in Tacloban City on June 22. The incident has reignited debates over the current legal age of criminal responsibility, which is set at 15 years under Republic Act No. 9344. The shooting at San Jose National High School involved two Grade 9 students allegedly firing at their peers, resulting in three deaths and 20 injuries.

Gatchalian highlighted that under Republic Act No. 9344, decisions about handling a child in conflict with the law (CICL) consider the child's age, discernment level, and the offense's severity. He emphasized that minors involved in serious crimes are not allowed to stay in their communities without intervention.

"Courts may mandate that these minors be handed over to the DSWD, or their parents may choose to surrender them to the agency," he explained.

The Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas confirmed that the two minor suspects are in government custody and will be relocated to the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth in Tanauan, Leyte, for intervention, rehabilitation, and restorative justice efforts.