Philippine police reported that at least three students were killed and seven others wounded after two students opened fire at a high school in the central part of the country. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. (01:00 GMT) on January 22 at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, on Leyte Island, approximately 580 kilometers southeast of the capital, Manila.
According to the Tacloban City Police Office, an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the shooting. Police Chief Colonel Noelito Getigan said the suspects used .38-caliber and 9mm firearms. One suspect, a ninth-grade minor, was arrested immediately after the incident, while the other later surrendered.
The victims were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Additional police forces were deployed to the school to ensure the safety of students, staff, parents, and the surrounding community.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an investigation immediately after the shooting. The presidential palace stated, “The President is saddened by the incident,” and called for a thorough probe, directing authorities to ensure security in all areas, offices, and facilities, particularly schools.
The Philippine Department of Education expressed deep concern, calling it a “high-alert situation,” condemned the violence, and offered condolences to the victims’ families.
School shootings are rare in the Philippines. In July 2022, a gunman opened fire at a graduation ceremony at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, killing three people, including former Lamitan City Mayor Rose Furigay.
