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Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno relieved a Port of Zamboanga enforcement official whose son is the alleged school shooting suspect, pending investigation into the firearms reportedly used
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The Grade 9 suspect allegedly used a pistol and rifle, killing a Grade 10 student
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Nepomuceno stressed that personnel issued firearms are accountable for proper custody and handling
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He ordered a full inventory of all bureau-issued firearms and a review of compliance with gun safety policies
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has relieved the Port of Zamboanga enforcement chief after his son was tagged as the suspect in a school shooting. The move comes as investigators look into the handling of firearms reportedly used in the incident.
Nepomuceno confirmed in a phone interview that the relieved officer was the district commander of the Port’s Enforcement and Security Services. He stressed the official had no direct role in the shooting but was sidelined to ensure an impartial probe into possible lapses in firearm custody.
“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 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.
