President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility as discussions on juvenile accountability intensify following the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President is willing to consider amendments to the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, depending on whether the final version would strengthen law enforcement while protecting the welfare of young people.

“Kung ano pong makikita na version ng Pangulo at kung ito naman ay magiging mas makakabuti sa ating mga kabataan at para sa pagpapatupad ng ating batas, ay sasang-ayunan ng Pangulo,” Castro said in a briefing.

Castro also said concerns raised by law enforcement are being taken seriously, noting their view that minors today are more aware of legal protections and consequences.

For its part, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it supports lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 12 years old.

“The PNP is supporting the lowering the age of criminal responsibility po,” said PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Allen Rae Co.

“We are thinking 12 years old po.”

Co also cited police data indicating an increase in cases involving children in conflict with the law.

“As a matter of fact, we studied the data. The statistics showed an increase in cases involving CICLs,” Co said.

The issue gained renewed attention after the shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, which left three people dead and several others wounded.

The suspects are currently in custody while authorities investigate the incident, including how they obtained the firearms used in the attack.

Meanwhile, the policewoman who owned one of the guns used in the shooting has been dismissed.

Senator Robin Padilla renewed his call to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility to as low as 10 years old following the incident.

Meanwhile, Senator Francis Pangilinan stressed that minors are still accountable under existing law, countering misinformation circulating online.

“May pananagutan. May proseso. May mga intervention upang matiyak na hindi na ito mauulit.… Ang tunay na hamon ay hindi ang pagpapakalat ng takot at disinformation, kundi ang ganap na pagpapatupad ng batas at pagtiyak na may hustisya, accountability, at proteksyon para sa lahat ng bata,” Pangilinan said.

He added that under the Juvenile Justice Law, minors involved in heinous crimes may face involuntary confinement for at least one year.

In a Viber message, Castro said President Marcos expressed sympathy for the victims.

“The President is saddened by what happened. Anyone, especially the parents of the victims, would feel sadness and fear,” she said.

“A thorough investigation is being ordered, and protection and safety are being ensured in all places, offices, and establishments, especially in schools,” she added.

Authorities continue to investigate the shooting as calls for tighter school security and possible legal reforms grow stronger nationwide.