In Tacloban City, Philippines, a tragic event unfolded when two students, armed with handguns, opened fire in a high school. The gunfire resulted in the deaths of three students and injuries to seven others, according to police reports. The suspects, aged 14 and 15, have been apprehended.
Incident Overview
Both the perpetrators and victims attended San Jose National High School, where the attack took place mid-morning. Regional police chief Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy confirmed that the investigation is in progress. The shooting occurred at a government-run school accommodating over 1,500 students. Initial questioning revealed the suspects were friends who claimed they faced bullying at school; however, Capoy did not provide further details. Neither suspect has a prior criminal record.
Weapons and Security Loopholes
One suspect acquired a 9 mm pistol from his aunt, a police officer now under investigation. The second suspect wielded a cal. 38 revolver, registered to a security agency in Cebu City. A lack of security allowed the suspects to smuggle the guns onto the campus, with only one guard managing multiple entry points.
Details of the Attack
Capoy described how the suspects entered two classrooms, continuing their attack after students fled the initial shooting room. Most casualties were among female students. Authorities discovered at least 40 shell casings at the scene. Videos posted online feature the harrowing moments students experienced, including sounds of gunfire and terrified students seeking safety.
Response and Investigation
One suspect was caught at the school immediately after the incident, while the other was found hiding nearby. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has mandated a comprehensive investigation and urged increased security in schools, workplaces, and public locations. Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stated, “The president was saddened by this incident. Parents, in particular, will feel devastated.”
Legal Considerations
Due to their ages, the suspects will be handed over to government welfare officers after the investigation. A 2006 Philippine law exempts individuals under 15 from criminal prosecution unless it’s proven they fully understood the crime and its consequences.
Background Context
While firearm-related crimes are frequent in the Philippines due to widespread unlicensed guns, school shootings remain uncommon. A notable exception occurred in 2022, during which a man killed three people, including a former town mayor, during a university graduation ceremony.
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