Authorities say two teenage students are in custody as investigators examine whether bullying contributed to the attack.
TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — Three students were killed and seven others were injured Monday after two teenage students allegedly carried out a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, authorities said. Police arrested both suspects and launched an investigation into the motive behind the attack.
Officials said the violence unfolded at about 9 a.m. during regular school hours, sending students and teachers scrambling for cover. All of the victims were minors. The shooting has shocked a country where school shootings are uncommon and prompted government agencies to mobilize medical, counseling and investigative resources as families seek answers about what happened.
Police said officers responded to reports of an active shooter at the campus and quickly secured the area. Emergency crews transported wounded students to nearby hospitals while school officials worked to account for students and staff. Three victims later died from their injuries. Authorities identified the suspects only by aliases and said they are ages 14 and 15. Both were students at the school. One suspect was detained at the scene, while the second fled before being located and arrested at a nearby residence after residents alerted authorities. Investigators spent much of the day interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence and documenting the scene. The campus was placed under tight security as officers moved through classrooms and hallways where the attack occurred. Authorities have not released the identities of the victims because they are minors.
Teachers and students described moments of confusion and fear as gunfire echoed through the school. Social studies teacher Irvin Nogar said he was conducting a class when he heard what he described as loud gunshots. He said he saw an armed student moving toward his area and immediately instructed students to stay calm, hide beneath their desks and remain quiet while he locked the classroom door. According to police officials, the suspects allegedly entered multiple classrooms during the attack. Investigators said several students attempted to flee after the initial shooting, and authorities believe some victims were targeted as the suspects moved through another room. Police recovered two firearms from the scene and said both weapons will undergo forensic testing. Officials have not yet disclosed how the suspects obtained the firearms or whether the weapons were legally owned. Those questions remain part of the ongoing investigation.
The incident has drawn national attention because shootings inside Philippine schools are relatively rare. While the country experiences periodic gun violence, attacks targeting students on school campuses are uncommon. The case has renewed scrutiny of school safety and student welfare programs, particularly efforts aimed at preventing harassment and bullying. Investigators said preliminary findings suggest the shooting may have stemmed from a personal grievance linked to alleged bullying, though authorities cautioned that the inquiry remains active and no final conclusions have been reached. Education officials said counselors and support personnel have been dispatched to assist students, families and school employees affected by the violence. Community members gathered outside the school throughout the day seeking information about loved ones as police maintained a security perimeter around the campus.
Authorities said both suspects are being processed under laws governing juvenile offenders and child protection procedures. Because the accused are minors, officials have released limited information about their backgrounds. Investigators are examining witness statements, school records, digital communications and forensic evidence collected from the firearms. Police officials said a comprehensive review will help determine the sequence of events and whether additional individuals had any knowledge of the alleged plans before the shooting occurred. Officials also plan to review security measures at the school and assess whether warning signs were missed. The Department of Education said it is coordinating with law enforcement and local governments as the investigation continues. Authorities have not announced potential charges, but officials said legal proceedings will follow applicable juvenile justice requirements once evidence gathering is complete.
Outside the school, the emotional toll was evident as families waited for updates and students recounted scenes of panic. Many described classmates running for safety while teachers attempted to protect those in their care. Police officials praised the actions of educators who moved quickly to secure classrooms and calm frightened students. Tacloban City Police Office Director Noelito A. Getigan called the incident deeply distressing and said authorities are committed to establishing the full truth behind the attack. Education officials offered condolences to the families of those killed and expressed support for the injured students receiving treatment. Medical teams continued monitoring victims throughout the day, while counselors began meeting with survivors and school personnel in an effort to address the immediate psychological impact of the tragedy.
The investigation remained active Monday evening, with forensic examinations, witness interviews and evidence reviews continuing. Authorities said additional updates are expected as investigators complete their work and determine the next steps in the juvenile justice process.