The 15-year-old suspect in the Tacloban City school shooting will undergo a youth rehabilitation program after being charged with multiple offenses, according to an official of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC).

In an interview with DZRH’s Dos Por Dos on Thursday, Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council Executive Director Atty. Tricia Claire Oco said the minor, being over 15 years old, can be held criminally liable under Philippine law and is the only one among the suspects eligible for prosecution.

“Ang pwede lang makasuhan is above 15 [years old],” Oco said.

She added that the 15-year-old faces criminal charges and may be placed under a court-ordered rehabilitation program for youth if proven to have taken part in the shooting.

“Lagpas 15 na siya, siya lang ang makakasuhan, yung isa kasi ay 14 years old lang, hindi pa talaga pwedeng kasuhan.”

Oco said the outcome of the case will depend on the minor’s compliance and progress in the program. If the rehabilitation is successfully completed and all conditions are met, the court may consider dismissing the charges.

“Doon sa 15 years old malinaw naman na talagang pwede sya kasuhan, so meron siyang criminal liability. Kapag siya ay na-prove na may ginawa sya sa nangyaring [school shooting], ilalagay siya sa rehabilitation for youth,” Oco said.

“Dadaan siya ng programa at kung maging successful ang programa may posibilidad na ma-dismiss yung kaso niya, pero kung hindi successful yung programa, ipapataw na ng judge yung kaukulang parusa para sa kanya,” she added.

Meanwhile, the 14-year-old accomplice will not face any criminal charges due to being below the age of criminal responsibility. Instead, the minor will be placed in a government-run youth rehabilitation facility.

Authorities said the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.