THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has relieved the father of the alleged Ateneo de Zamboanga University shooter from his post following the tragic incident on Tuesday.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno confirmed in a phone interview that the official was serving as district commander of the Port of Zamboanga Enforcement and Security Services at the time. The decision to remove him from duty was made immediately to ensure an impartial, independent investigation into whether any negligence occurred, particularly regarding the possession, handling, or security of the firearms allegedly used by his son.
Nepomuceno emphasized that the father had no direct involvement in the shooting and described the event as a tremendous tragedy for their entire family.
“He had nothing to do with his son’s alleged shooting. This is a tragedy for their family,” the commissioner stated. However, he explained that the relief from duty was necessary to remove any potential conflict of interest and to allow authorities to thoroughly examine whether proper protocols were followed in the custody and management of the firearms that ended up being used in the attack.
According to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, the alleged perpetrator — a Grade 9 student — reportedly carried and used both a pistol and a rifle during the incident, which resulted in the death of a Grade 10 student before he took his own life.
The case has raised urgent questions about how a minor was able to gain access to high‑powered firearms and bring them onto school grounds. The BOC’s investigation will specifically look into whether any lapses in responsibility or security oversight occurred within the official’s household, while the Zamboanga City Police Office continues its parallel probe into the broader circumstances of the shooting.
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