The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has dismissed a police officer for failing to properly secure her service firearm, which was used by her 14-year-old nephew in a school shooting in Tacloban City that left three students dead and several others injured.

The commission said Wednesday that its en banc found Police Staff Sgt. Arla Ray O. Paciencia liable for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer following the June 22, 2026, shooting at San Jose National High School.

Paciencia, assigned to the Regional Finance Service Unit 8, was on duty when the shooting occurred but had left her government-issued 9 mm pistol at home, according to NAPOLCOM.

The firearm was reportedly stored in a plastic gun box inside a plastic cabinet instead of the safety vault required under police regulations, the commission said.

NAPOLCOM ruled that Paciencia's negligence in securing the weapon contributed to the events that led to the deadly incident. It also rejected her awards and commendations as grounds for mitigating her liability, saying these underscored the high standard of responsibility expected of police officers.

Her dismissal includes the forfeiture of benefits and a lifetime ban from holding public office.

NAPOLCOM Commissioner Ralph Calinisan said the decision reinforces the need for police officers to exercise greater accountability in handling their issued firearms.

The commission said it would continue to hold officers accountable for failing to meet firearm safety and storage requirements.