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Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno ordered the relief of a Port of Zamboanga enforcement official whose son is the alleged perpetrator in a school shooting, pending an investigation into the handling of the firearms reportedly used in the incident
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The alleged Grade 9 perpetrator reportedly used a pistol and a rifle in the incident, which resulted in the death of a Grade 10 student
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The BOC chief stressed that personnel issued firearms are accountable for their proper custody and handling
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He also ordered a comprehensive accounting and inventory of all issued firearms across the bureau and a review of compliance with all policies and issuances on gun safety
Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has relieved a Port of Zamboanga enforcement official whose son is the alleged perpetrator in a school shooting, pending an investigation into the handling of the firearms reportedly used in the incident.
Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno confirmed in a phone interview with reporters that the Customs police officer involved was the district commander of the Port of Zamboanga Enforcement and Security Services.
Nepomuceno said the official had no direct involvement in the shooting but was relieved to ensure an impartial investigation into whether there was negligence in the custody and handling of his firearm.
“He was not involved in his son’s alleged shooting. This is a tragedy for their family,” Nepomuceno said.
“But we need to immediately relieve him to allow an impartial investigation into whether our personnel was negligent in handling his firearm,” he stressed.
BOC issued a formal statement expressing “its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the tragic shooting incident at the Ateneo de Zamboanga today, August 18, 2026.”
“We stand in solidarity with the Ateneo de Zamboanga community and all those affected by this heartbreaking incident,” the statement said.
The alleged perpetrator, a Grade 9 student, reportedly used a pistol and a rifle in the attack on Tuesday morning, killing a Grade 10 student, according to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
The suspect also died after jumping from the fifth floor of a building within the school campus.
Nepomuceno said Customs personnel were attempting to reach the relieved official to coordinate with him on the investigation.
“There is accountability for whoever was issued the firearm,” the Customs chief said.
“We provided them with training on how to safeguard their firearms in the office, during missions, in the field, and even inside their homes,” he explained.
Nepomuceno said he had ordered a “thorough review” of the Customs system for issuing firearms to personnel about two months ago as part of efforts to strengthen firearm safety and accountability.
“In light of this incident, Commissioner Nepomuceno has ordered a comprehensive accounting and inventory of all issued firearms across the Bureau and a review of compliance with all BOC policies and issuances on gun safety, firearm custody, transport, carrying, storage, and safekeeping. Compliance reports from all concerned units have been required within twenty-four (24) hours,” the BOC statement said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Ports Authority issued a separate statement clarifying that the student’s father is “not an official, employee, or personnel” of the agency.
“Reports identifying the father as a ‘port police’ official may have caused confusion. The official being referred to in the reports is associated with the Bureau of Customs, and is not connected to the Philippine Ports Authority,” PPA said.
“The PPA extends its deepest sympathies to those affected by this tragic incident and continues to support efforts to ensure the safety and security of the public,” it added.
