Three students killed in Tacloban school shooting
Police said two student suspects were in custody after gunfire at San Jose National High School wounded seven others.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
2 min read
Three students were killed and seven others wounded after two students opened fire at a high school in the central Philippines, police said. The attack prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to order an investigation and led officials to increase security at the campus.
The shooting happened at about 9 a.m. Monday inside San Jose National High School in Tacloban, a city on Leyte island about 580 kilometers southeast of Manila, the Tacloban City Police Office said. Police said investigators were still working to determine what led to the violence.
Tacloban police chief Noelito Getigan told reporters the suspects used a .38-caliber firearm and a 9mm firearm. He said one suspect, identified as a minor and Grade 9 student, was arrested soon after the shooting, while the other later surrendered to authorities.
Police said the wounded were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Authorities also sent additional personnel to the school to protect students, staff, parents and people in the surrounding area, according to police.
Investigation ordered
Marcos directed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation shortly after the shooting, his office said. The president was saddened by the incident and ordered officials to ensure safety and security in public areas, offices and establishments, especially schools, according to the statement from his office.
Authorities asked the public not to spread unverified information and to cooperate with investigators. Police did not immediately announce a motive or provide further details about the identities of the dead and wounded.
The Department of Education said it was gravely concerned and described the incident as a “high alert situation.” In a statement, the department condemned the violence and offered condolences to the families of the victims.
School shootings occur sporadically in the Philippines, according to reporting by AFP and AP. In July 2022, a gunman opened fire during an Ateneo de Manila University law school graduation ceremony in Quezon City, killing three people, including former Lamitan City mayor Rose Furigay.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.