By Staff Reporter
TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — Three students were killed and at least 20 others injured after two teenage students opened fire inside a high school in the central Philippines on Monday, authorities confirmed.
The shooting occurred at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where two students aged 14 and 15 allegedly carried out the attack during school hours. Both suspects were later arrested by police.
According to investigators, fifteen of the injured sustained gunshot wounds, including one student who was shot in the head and remains hospitalized in critical condition. Other victims were injured while attempting to escape the violence, with some reportedly jumping from classroom windows as panic swept through the school.
Police revealed that one of the suspects used a 9mm pistol allegedly taken from his aunt, a police officer who is now under investigation regarding the weapon’s security. The second teenager was armed with a .38-calibre revolver.
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack. During initial questioning, the two suspects claimed they had experienced bullying at school, although police have not yet confirmed whether this was the primary reason for the shooting.
Regional police chief Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said the suspects entered multiple classrooms during the attack. After opening fire in one room, they reportedly pursued fleeing students into another classroom.
Most of the victims were female students, according to police. Investigators recovered at least 40 spent shell casings from the scene.
Videos shared on social media showed scenes of terror as students hid under desks while gunshots echoed through the school corridors. Other footage captured frightened students running from the campus and embracing one another after reaching safety.
One suspect was apprehended within the school grounds shortly after the attack, while the second fled and hid in a nearby residence before local residents alerted authorities, leading to his arrest.
Security concerns have also emerged following reports that only one security guard was on duty despite the school’s multiple entrances and exits.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed sadness over the tragedy and ordered a comprehensive investigation. The government has also directed law enforcement agencies to strengthen security measures in schools and other public spaces across the country.
Because both suspects are minors, they will be placed under the custody of government welfare authorities while investigations continue. Under Philippine law, children aged 14 and below cannot be criminally prosecuted, while a 15-year-old may face criminal liability only if investigators determine that the suspect fully understood the nature and consequences of the crime.
Police have appealed to the public to remain calm and assist authorities with any information that may aid the ongoing investigation.
Source: Gulf News
