School Shooting in Central Philippines Leaves Three Dead

On Monday, two students opened fire in a high school in the central Philippines, resulting in three fatalities and seven injuries. The incident occurred at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, said regional police chief Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy.

The suspects, aged 14 and 15, were apprehended. Both were students at the school, which has over 1,500 students. The initial investigation revealed they acted due to bullying. Neither suspect had a criminal record.

“The suspects said they were bullied in school,” Capoy noted.

One suspect obtained a 9 mm pistol from a relative who is a police officer. The other suspect used a caliber .38 revolver registered to a security agency in Cebu City. The firearms have raised questions regarding security measures in place at the school, as they were brought onto the campus with ease due to limited security personnel.

“The suspects entered two classrooms. After the first room was attacked, students scattered, leading the suspects to pursue them into another room,” Capoy explained. Female students were predominantly among the casualties. Forty shell casings were found at the scene.

Media shared footage of terrified students seeking cover under desks, and others fleeing the school grounds. One suspect was caught at the school, while the other initially evaded capture by hiding in a nearby residence until located by the police.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for a detailed investigation and urged enhanced security in schools, workplaces, and public areas. Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro reported on the president’s dismayed reaction.

“The president was saddened by this incident. Anybody, especially the parents of the victims, will feel sad and terrified,” Castro stated.

Being minors, the suspects will be handed over to government welfare for further investigations. Philippine law exempts individuals under 15 from criminal charges unless it is clear that they understood the crime and its consequences.

The national police advised the public to stay calm and assist in the investigation. Although firearm-related crimes are common in the Philippines, shootings in schools remain infrequent.

In 2022, a similar incident of shooting occurred in a notable university, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. The suspect was detained.