EDITORIAL — What qualifies as justice in this case?

Following the Tacloban school shooting earlier this week that killed three students and injured 20 others, many are now asking how those two young killers, aged 14 and 15, will be brought to account for their actions under the Juvenile Justice Law.

As per reports, the 15-year-old will face charges, specifically three counts of murder, three counts of frustrated murder, and multiple counts of serious physical injuries.

However, because he is a minor, under the Juvenile Justice Law he may be entitled to a suspended sentence upon conviction, which means he will not be immediately imprisoned.

Under Section 39 of the same law, the court may even dismiss the case and grant a final discharge to a child given a suspended sentence if a social worker certifies that all rehabilitation goals have been successfully completed.

And the 14-year-old? He will just undergo rehabilitation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which has promised to change him for the better.

In the cold eyes of the law this might fulfill all the requirements and settle the issue.

But how does this assuage the grief of those who lost loved ones? What about those whose children have been grievously injured? What about the actual survivors themselves who are scarred or traumatized for life?

After seeing how the two suspects messaged each other so callously and so directly about what they were about to do, they might see the little time the older suspect spends in prison, if he gets any, as a slap on the wrist. More so the mere years of rehab for the younger suspect.

We are sure some of the victims or their families are demanding much more. We are they doubt any amount of rehabilitation can change someone who has taken lives and spilled blood at such a young age.

For those who suffered, what qualifies as justice in this case? The offenders being tried as adults and spending time in an actual jail? Personally offering an apology to everyone affected by what they did? Helping the families that suffered heal?

Justice, especially in a complicated case like this one, may not be easily achieved.