TACLOBAN CITY — The mother of one of the three students killed in the San Jose National High School shooting has called for stricter accountability for minors involved in serious crimes, saying the tragedy that claimed her daughter’s life should serve as a wake-up call for authorities.
Jennelyn Badoria, mother of 15-year-old Joyancee Separa, said in an exclusive interview with The Manila Times that she hopes the government will review existing laws on juvenile offenders as younger individuals are increasingly becoming involved in violent crimes.
“I want the law to be enforced so that minors involved in serious crimes will be held accountable for their actions because we are seeing younger and younger individuals committing acts of violence,” Badoria said.
She said many young offenders appear to believe they will not be punished because of their age, making them less hesitant to commit acts of violence against others.
“For me, there should be stricter accountability for minors, especially if they fully understand the gravity of what they have done,” she added.
Separa, a Grade 9 student, was among the three fatalities in Monday’s shooting and was reportedly recording a video of the incident when she was struck by gunfire.
According to information released by authorities, the 15-year-old was the second of three siblings and had dreamed of becoming an honor student.
“Like what happened to my child, her life can no longer be brought back, so I hope there will be just punishment for those who commit such crimes,” Badoria said.
