Shooting Incident at San Jose National High School in the Philippines

Two young students at the San Jose National High School in Tacloban city, Philippines, carried out a gun attack on Monday, June 22, 2026. They shot and killed three fellow students and injured seven more, according to police reports. Both suspects, aged 14 and 15, were apprehended. All individuals involved were part of the same school where the mid-morning shooting unfolded, stated regional police chief Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy.

Authorities are working to establish why the incident happened at this government-run institution with over 1,500 students. Preliminary questioning of the suspects, who are friends, revealed claims of being bullied at the school, though further details were not provided. Neither had previous criminal records. One suspect acquired a 9 mm pistol from an aunt who is a police officer; she is now under investigation. The second suspect used a cal. 38 revolver. They entered the school armed by exploiting security lapses, as only one guard was stationed at multiple entrance points, Capoy said.

Capoy explained that the suspects entered two separate classrooms. After opening fire in the first room, they pursued fleeing students into another. Most casualties and injuries were among female students. Police found over 40 shell casings at the scene. Video footage shared online reveals students hiding under desks in fear while gunfire erupts outside. Others are shown fleeing the premises in distress.

One suspect was apprehended immediately on school grounds. The other escaped but was later found hiding in a nearby house with help from local residents. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has demanded an exhaustive probe into the tragedy and directed law enforcement to intensify security measures across educational institutions and public areas. “The president was saddened by this incident. Parents, especially of the victims, understandably feel deeply distressed,” commented Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro.

Due to their minor status, plans are in place to hand the suspects over to government welfare officers post-investigation. The 14-year-old cannot face criminal prosecution under a 2006 law that sets 15 as the minimum age for criminal liability, contingent on proven awareness of the crime committed. Law enforcement encourages public cooperation through information sharing that could aid the investigation. While gun-related crimes occur frequently in the Philippines, school shootings are unusual. A notable earlier incident in 2022 saw a gunman kill three individuals, including a former town mayor, during a university graduation event, before being arrested.