Gun Owner Indicted for Criminal Negligence in Tacloban Shooting

The owner of the gun involved in the deadly Tacloban shooting last June faces criminal negligence charges, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida disclosed during the House of Representatives committee on appropriations' 2027 budget hearing for the Department of Justice.

Vida revealed the indictment while responding to queries from lawmakers, specifically from Akbayan party-list representatives, regarding the status of the investigation into the June shooting incident.

The criminal negligence charge stems from the owner's alleged failure to properly secure or maintain custody of the firearm, which was subsequently used in the fatal shooting. The indictment represents a significant development in the case as authorities pursue accountability for the incident.

The announcement underscores the DOJ's commitment to holding responsible parties accountable in cases involving the misuse of firearms. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the chain of custody of the weapon involved.