Three students have been killed and several others injured after two teenagers opened fire at a high school in central Philippines, in what police say may have been a revenge attack linked to bullying.
Authorities said the suspects, aged 14 and 15, carried out the shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban city. One suspect was arrested shortly after the incident, while the second later surrendered to police.
Investigators said the pair were armed with a .38 revolver and a 9mm pistol, the latter allegedly belonging to a police officer relative who is now in custody over the weapon’s use.
Police described the incident as a “grudge” attack, adding that early findings suggest the suspects went directly into a classroom and opened fire without warning.
Around 40 empty shell casings were recovered from the scene. In addition to the three fatalities, three students were injured by gunfire, while four others sustained injuries while fleeing in panic.
Authorities also said they had recovered social media material allegedly showing one of the suspects handling and firing a gun, raising concerns about missed warning signs.
Police officials said behavioural “red flags” may have been overlooked and stressed that earlier intervention could have prevented the attack.
A mother of one of the victims has called for accountability, arguing that gun owners must be held responsible for weapons ending up in the hands of minors.
Officials from the city police described the incident as the first school shooting of its kind in Tacloban in recent memory and urged stricter handling of firearms in homes.
The education ministry expressed deep concern over the attack and announced a review of school security protocols, bullying policies and student monitoring systems.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s office said he was saddened by the incident, describing it as a tragedy that has caused widespread grief.
Authorities say gun violence in the country has generally been declining, with thousands of cases still recorded annually nationwide, but school shootings remain rare.
Ojo Triumph
