CITY OF SAN FERNANDO\u2014Security was tightened at a mall here where a 13-year-old boy shot a 16-year-old friend then turned the gun on himself.
\nMillie Dizon, vice president for marketing and communications of SM Supermalls, said in an e-mail statement that security was tightened in all the mall\u2019s entrances after the shooting.
\nThe retail giant also asked police to be more visible in malls. \u201cWe also believe that security is everybody\u2019s responsibility,\u201d Dizon said.
\nPolice and the parents of the boys have not filed any complaint or civil suit against the mall.
\nBut Supt. Wilson Santos, chief of police of Mexico town, said there are \u201cno [pieces of] concrete evidence proving their (SM\u2019s and its security firm\u2019s) liabilities.\u201d
\nHow the younger boy obtained the gun, how it was brought in and who owned the weapon are still being established, Santos said. \u201cIt is not enough that we recovered the gun,\u201d he added.
\nStill distraught
\nThe parents of the boys are still distraught and appear to have had no knowledge about their sons\u2019 apparent relationship, said SPO3 Rey Sese, the officer in charge of the case.
\nInvestigators reported finding a suicide note in the pocket of the younger boy suggesting a \u201clovers\u2019 quarrel.\u201d
\nIn Manila, the head of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) called on security firms to send their guards for training to \u201cenhance their knowledge, skills and attitude.\u201d
\nTesda head Joel Villanueva said the training of guards was key to efficient security in malls and other places where security is provided by private firms.
\n\u201cWeak training requirements for guards and little oversight of security companies can be a deadly combination,\u201d said Villanueva. Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon with Tarra Quismundo in Manila<\/p>\n