FALSE: Atty. Kevin Anarna vows to help Tacloban school shooting suspects, insists on their innocence

Jessie Marco Cabrera

A Facebook post by the page “Panda Reports” alleged that Silang, Cavite, mayoral candidate Atty. Kevin Anarna appealed for the two suspects in the June 22 Tacloban school shooting not to be jailed, claiming the incident was unintentional and that he was ready to serve as their legal counsel

CLAIM: 

The post claimed that according to Anarna, the two minors should not be held liable for the occurrence, and they had rights to be protected under the law. The post further stated that he was ready to help with their legal defense to ensure due process.

“Huwag ikulong and dalawang menor de edad na suspect. Hindi nila sinasadya ang pangyayari. May karapatan pa din sila. Bilang abogado, tutulongan ko sila,” the post stated quoting Anarna

RATING: FALSE

CONCLUSION: 

Atty. Anarna did not make a statement saying the Tacloban shooting was unintentional and that he will serve as the suspects’ legal counsel.

THE FACTS:

• No post from Anarna’s social media platforms stated the claim. There are also no reliable media sources that support this.
• A school shooting involving two minors happened in San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, leaving three students dead and 13 wounded.
• The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (RA 9344) provides minors aged 15-years-old and below protection from criminal liability. However, they are subject to mandatory intervention or rehabilitation programs. For those aged above 15 but below 18-years-old, minors can be held criminally liable if discernment is proven in court.

BOTTOMLINE: 

Atty. Anarna did not vouch for the two suspects’ exemption from accountability and will not serve as their counsel in court.