BOC relieves Zamboanga district commander amid school shooting probe

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has relieved the father of the Grade 9 student allegedly involved in Tuesday’s shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School on August 18.

 BOC commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno confirmed that the father, who serves as district commander of the Port of Zamboanga Enforcement and Security Services, was removed from his post as authorities investigate the incident.

The agency clarified that he was not directly involved in the shooting. However, his relief was ordered to ensure an impartial inquiry into possible lapses in the custody and handling of his firearm.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the Grade 9 student allegedly used both a pistol and a rifle during the incident, which left a Grade 10 student dead.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting, including the circumstances surrounding the firearms and the existing protocols governing their issuance, storage and safekeeping among BOC personnel.