Tragedy in Tacloban: A Community’s Fight for Justice
In a heart-wrenching incident that shook Tacloban, a school shooting left 23 victims in its wake. Among them, three young lives were extinguished, while two remain critically injured, clinging to life. This is the story of Nethan Candelario and Joan Viñas—two students whose dreams now hang in the balance.
Nethan’s Struggle
At just 15 years old, Nethan Candelario is the third of four siblings, with dreams of sailing the seas as a seaman. But today, those dreams are clouded by heartache. His father, Erwin Candelario, was overcome with emotion as he spoke about the tragedy. “It really hurts; what they did is not right. I couldn’t help but cry because what they did was truly awful,” he expressed, the pain evident in his voice. “Any father would feel like doing the exact same thing to them after what they did.”
Erwin’s world shattered that day, as he reflected on the beautiful future his son had envisioned. With three of his children attending San Jose National High School, he said, “It felt like my whole world had completely shattered when that happened.” But amid the despair, he clings to hope. “Just fight. Keep fighting.”
Joan’s Journey
Seventeen-year-old Joan Viñas, the youngest in her family, aspired to be a nurse—a calling she hoped would lift her family out of poverty. Tragically, she was shot in the head. Her mother, Rowena Eracho, is haunted by the last conversation they had. “I wish I hadn’t allowed my child to go to school,” she lamented, recalling how Joan had expressed feeling unwell that morning. “Sana hindi ko na lang pinayagan ang anak ko pumasok,” she added with anguish.
When Rowena saw her daughter being rescued on a stretcher, she fainted from the shock. Joan’s condition is grave; her eyes swollen from the trauma, and Rowena’s heart aches as she prays for a miracle. “Lord, please give my child another chance to live,” she pleaded, her voice breaking. “She dreams of becoming a nurse and lifting us out of poverty.”
A Community in Pain
The pain felt by Nethan and Joan’s families resonates throughout the community. Together with the families of the deceased victims, they cry out for justice. “This is so unjust… We desperately need justice for the victims,” Erwin implored. Rowena echoed his sentiments, demanding accountability: “I want those children imprisoned, and even their parents should be locked up right along with them. We want real justice.”
In total, out of the 15 wounded students, 6 were female and 9 were male. The shooters, aged just 14 and 15, are both now at the center of an investigation. Initial reports hint that bullying may have played a role, but parents of the victims deny any involvement in such behavior. The police are also looking into whether a video game called Gorebox might have influenced the violent actions of these young offenders.
The Legal Battle
Under the Philippine Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, children aged 15 and below are exempt from criminal liability. With the complexities of the law, authorities are tasked with assessing whether the shooters acted with discernment. P/Col. Allen Rae Co explained the situation: “We will determine if he acted with discernment. If proven, he will undergo a regular trial while adhering to child protection protocols.”
As the families wait for answers, their hearts are heavy. They carry the weight of loss, dreams shattered, and a community forever changed. Their voices rise in unity—a plea for justice in a world that feels so unfair.
Together, they shine a light on the fight for accountability, not only for their children but for a future where no parent has to face such heartbreak again. In the midst of sorrow, hope remains—a flicker of resilience in a community determined to heal.
