Tacloban City, Philippines — A tragic shooting at San Jose National High School on June 22 has left three students dead and over 15 others injured as two teenage classmates opened fire on their peers, triggering panic among the school’s 1,500 students.
Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy, the regional police chief, confirmed the arrest of a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old, both students at the school, following the violent incident. Initial reports indicate that neither suspect had a prior criminal history. Among the victims, most were female students, with one survivor fighting for life in critical condition.
Authorities have determined that the attack was premeditated, indicating the suspects had been planning the assault for several months. Capoy noted that their preparation might have begun as early as May, with both individuals reportedly claiming they had been bullied at school. However, further details regarding the bullying allegations have not been disclosed.
The chaotic scene unfolded swiftly, with the two assailants targeting multiple classrooms. Witnesses described a terrifying atmosphere, with students scrambling to find safety after hearing gunfire. Reports suggested that more than 40 shell casings were recovered from the scene, underscoring the severity of the attack.
Questions surrounding the school’s security emerged as investigators found that lax measures allowed the suspects to smuggle firearms onto campus. A single guard monitored the premises, which facilitated their entry. One suspect reportedly acquired a 9 mm pistol from a relative who is a police officer, while the other brought a .38 caliber revolver. The officer has since been suspended and is facing administrative action for failing to secure her weapon.
Police apprehended one suspect on the school grounds shortly after the shooting; the other fled but was later captured at a nearby residence following tips from local residents.
The prosecution of the suspects may prove complex due to their ages. A Philippine law implemented in 2006 states that individuals below the age of 15 cannot be charged with a crime. As a result, the 14-year-old will not face any legal repercussions, while charges against the 15-year-old depend on establishing that he understood the nature and consequences of his actions during the incident. Both minors have since been placed in the custody of the Tacloban City Social Welfare and Development Office in accordance with juvenile justice regulations.
While investigations continue, there has been no confirmation of prior complaints about bullying at San Jose National High School.
In response to the tragedy, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for a detailed investigation and urged law enforcement to enhance security across schools and public areas nationwide. Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro conveyed the president’s deep concern for the victims’ families, emphasizing the emotional toll such incidents inflict on communities. The national police have also advised the public to remain composed and cooperate with ongoing inquiries.
Despite a troubling history of gun violence in the Philippines, incidents of this nature in schools are rare. The last major school shooting occurred in 2022 at a university in Metro Manila, where a gunman killed a former city mayor and two additional victims during a graduation event.
The June 22 incident in Tacloban has reignited discussions about campus safety, the availability of firearms, and the crucial need for effective measures to identify and address bullying before it escalates into violence.