Two students were arrested after a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Philippines, left three students dead and five others injured on Monday. The suspects, aged 14 and 15, were taken into custody shortly after the attack, which occurred around 9:00 a.m. inside the school. Both suspects were armed with pistols—a 9mm and a .38-caliber revolver—and were identified as students at the school. The victims were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment, while additional police personnel were deployed to secure the area.
Investigation Underway
Police are investigating the motive behind the shooting, with initial reports suggesting the suspects may have been bullied. Regional police chief Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy stated that the suspects, who were close friends, mentioned bullying in initial questioning. However, details remain unclear. The firearms used in the attack were traced to a registered policewoman and a security agency in Cebu City, though it is unknown how the suspects obtained them. Over 40 empty shells were found at the scene.
Security Lapses and Response
Authorities noted that the school had multiple entrances and exits but only one security guard on duty at the time of the incident. The suspects reportedly barged into two classrooms, firing at students before fleeing. Most of the victims were female students. The Department of Education condemned the violence and pledged to enhance security measures in schools nationwide. The incident has raised concerns about gun control and school safety in the Philippines, where school shootings are rare but gun violence remains a broader issue.
Public Reaction and Context
The national police urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to cooperate with investigators. The shooting has sparked discussions about bullying prevention and mental health support in schools. In 2022, a similar incident at Ateneo de Manila University resulted in three deaths, highlighting the sporadic but devastating nature of such attacks in the country.