Philippines school shooting leaves 3 students dead, 7 injured:2 minor suspects arrested; motive behind the attack still unknown

Three teenage students were killed and seven others injured after two armed minors opened fire inside a government-run high school in the central Philippines on Monday morning. The incident occurred around 9 am local time at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, located in Leyte province. According to authorities, classes were in progress when the suspects entered the campus and began firing at students. Two Grade 9 students identified as suspects The Tacloban City Police Office said both suspects are minors and enrolled as Grade 9 students at the school. One suspect was apprehended shortly after the shooting, while the second was arrested several hours later with the help of residents from a nearby community. Police have launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the attack. President Marcos orders thorough investigation Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed sadness over the tragedy and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Presidential spokesperson Claire Castro said the president was “saddened by what happened” and acknowledged the grief and fear felt by the victims’ families. She added that authorities were implementing additional measures to strengthen safety in public spaces, including schools. Education department promises support The Philippines’ Department of Education (DepEd) expressed grave concern over the shooting and said it was coordinating with relevant government agencies to provide assistance. In a statement, the department said medical aid and psychosocial support services would be provided to affected students, school personnel and families. Security tightened as probe continues Authorities have tightened security in the area and appealed for calm as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The incident is one of the deadliest school-related shootings in the Philippines in recent years. Previous shooting incident In 2022, three people, including a former city mayor, were killed in a shooting before a graduation ceremony at Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippine capital. Authorities later concluded that the attack was an assassination motivated by personal reasons.