NUEVA ECIJA — The suspect in the Sta. Rosa Integrated School shooting died at 3 p.m. on Friday while under police watch at his home, Police Chief William Dulnuan confirmed Saturday.

Dulnuan said the 18-year-old suspect, identified as Menard Canoza of Barangay Soledad, was brought home by his family despite being in critical condition.

“I cannot disclose their agreement, but they signed a waiver,” he told the DAILY TRIBUNE when asked why the suspect was allowed to go home. Before his death, Dulnuan said, the suspect was closely monitored by police at his home in Barangay Santo Rosario.

Meanwhile, the 15-year-old victim remains in critical condition at the hospital. Her family had earlier sought assistance for a hospital transfer due to the high cost of her operation and aftercare.

In an exclusive interview, the victim’s mother, Elvie, said her daughter was transferred to the ICU yesterday. She said the girl was shot in the head and that doctors earlier indicated they could not operate due to the severity of the injury.

“Since we arrived here, we have only been placed in the ward. Despite my child’s condition, she was only admitted to the ICU at 3 a.m. today, and we were even told to wait outside the hospital. What if they need me? I would have to run to the third floor. It’s difficult,” she said.

She also lamented, “We haven’t spoken to any doctor yet. No one has given us an update. Yesterday, no doctor even checked on my child.”

Her son added, “Sometimes they just peek in, then leave. It’s as if they’re only checking if my sister still has a heartbeat.”

The family confirmed that the bullet remains lodged in the victim’s head. “They said it can’t be removed until she wakes up, so we still can’t feel at ease,” her brother said.

“She’s been revived twice… my sister is fighting,” he added.

Reports from the Nueva Ecija Provincial Information Office earlier stated that the local government has extended financial support and covered all of the family’s expenses.

The family, however, said they have yet to receive any aid but are thankful for whatever help may come. No medical records have been made available, according to Dulnuan.

Police said the firearm used in the shooting had no serial number. “But we are still checking — it’s possible the suspect just erased it,” Dulnuan added.

Investigations revealed the suspect’s father was a former barangay watchman and his mother is an overseas Filipino worker.

Had he survived, the suspect would have faced charges of frustrated murder — or murder, should the victim die.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education reiterated its call for heightened vigilance and stricter preventive measures against school violence and threats to learner safety.

It directed all field offices to intensify safety measures and violence prevention strategies, including the banning of deadly weapons and other prohibited items, the strengthening of anti-bullying and anti-violence reporting mechanisms, and the provision of mental health and learner support services.

The Department also urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure that schools remain safe, secure, and nurturing spaces for every learner.