Tragedy at San Jose National High School: Two Students Open Fire, Three Dead

Two students opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Philippines, on Monday at approximately 9:00 AM local time, resulting in the deaths of three students and injuries to seven others.

The suspects, aged 14 and 15, were arrested. An investigation into the motive, including the suspects' statements regarding bullying, is ongoing.

Incident Details

The shooting occurred at San Jose National High School, a government-run institution with over 1,500 students. The suspects, both students at the school, entered two classrooms. They fired shots in the first room and then pursued fleeing students into a second room.

Police recovered at least 40 shell casings. Most of the casualties were female students, including all three fatalities.

Suspects and Weapons

The two suspects were identified as Grade 9 students. One suspect, aged 14, used a 9mm Glock pistol. The other suspect, aged 15, used a .38 caliber revolver.

Police reported that the 9mm pistol was registered to a police officer, who is the aunt of one suspect and is currently under investigation. The .38 caliber revolver was registered to a security agency in Cebu City.

Arrest and Legal Status

One suspect was arrested on the school campus. The second suspect fled to a nearby house, where residents alerted authorities, leading to his arrest.

Under Philippine law (Republic Act No. 9344), the minimum age of criminal liability is 15. The 14-year-old suspect is therefore exempt from criminal prosecution. Both suspects are to be transferred to government welfare officers upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Emergency Response

The Tacloban City Police Office secured the scene and transported the injured to medical facilities. The Department of Education deployed medical and psychosocial support.

A video circulated online showed students hiding under desks and screaming as gunshots were heard.

Official Statements

• President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a thorough investigation and directed law enforcement to increase security in schools, workplaces, and public areas, according to Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro.
• The National Police urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with the investigation.
• The Department of Education described the situation as a "high alert situation" and stated it is coordinating with local school authorities and police.

Context

School shootings are rare in the Philippines. Firearms-related crime is more common, partly due to the prevalence of unlicensed weapons. In 2022, a shooting at Ateneo de Manila University killed three people. That incident was determined to be a targeted attack driven by personal motives.