A high school shooting in the central Philippines has left three students dead and at least 20 others injured after two teenage students allegedly opened fire inside a school classroom on Monday morning, police confirmed.
Authorities said the suspects, aged 14 and 15, were both students of San Jose National High School in Tacloban City. They were arrested shortly after the attack, which sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted a nationwide review of school security measures.
Attack inside busy school campus
According to regional police officials, the shooting took place during school hours at the government-run institution, which has a student population of more than 1,500. Investigators believe the suspects entered the campus armed with handguns and began firing inside classroom areas, targeting fellow students.
Police reported that at least 15 of the 20 injured victims sustained gunshot wounds, including one student who remains in critical condition after being hit in the head. Several others suffered injuries while attempting to escape, with students jumping through windows and running through hallways in panic.
Witness accounts and video footage circulating online show scenes of chaos as students fled classrooms, screamed for help, and sought shelter while gunfire echoed across the campus.
Suspects arrested shortly after incident
Authorities said one suspect was detained at the school immediately after the shooting, while the second fled to a nearby residential area before being located and arrested following a tip from local residents.
Police identified the weapons used in the attack as a 9mm pistol and a .38 caliber revolver. Investigators also revealed that one of the firearms allegedly belonged to a relative of one suspect, who is reportedly a law enforcement officer and is now under separate investigation.
Officials added that there was only one security guard assigned to multiple entry points at the school at the time of the incident, raising questions about campus safety protocols.
Possible motive under investigation
Preliminary questioning suggests the suspects may have experienced bullying at school, although authorities emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing and no definitive motive has been confirmed.
Both suspects are described as close friends with no prior criminal records. Because they are minors, they will be turned over to child welfare authorities while legal proceedings and investigations continue.
Under Philippine law, individuals aged 15 and above may be held criminally liable under specific conditions, while those younger than 15 are exempt from prosecution.
Government orders security review
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a full investigation into the incident and directed law enforcement agencies to strengthen security in schools and public institutions nationwide.
Government officials expressed condolences to the victims’ families, calling the incident a devastating tragedy that has deeply affected the nation.
Rising concern over school safety
While gun-related crimes are not uncommon in parts of the Philippines due to illegal firearm circulation, school shootings remain relatively rare. However, the latest attack has reignited concerns about student safety, access to weapons, and mental health support systems within schools.
Authorities are now reviewing how the suspects were able to bring firearms onto the campus and whether security lapses contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
As investigations continue, officials say the focus remains on supporting victims and preventing similar incidents in the future.
