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Two students opened fire inside a Tacloban high school, killing three classmates and injuring seven. The attack has raised urgent questions over bullying claims, gun access and campus security.
Manila,UPDATED: Jun 22, 2026 14:08 IST
Two students opened fire inside a high school in the central Philippines on Monday, killing three fellow students and injuring seven others, police said. The two suspects, aged 14 and 15, were arrested after the shooting at San Jose High School in Tacloban city.
Police said both suspects and all the victims were students of the same school. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered a thorough investigation into the shooting and asked law enforcers to tighten security in schools, workplaces and other public areas.
Regional police chief Brig Gen Jason Capoy said the two suspects were close friends and each was carrying a pistol. An investigation is under way to find out what led to the attack at the government-run school, which has more than 1,500 students. Capoy said the suspects told investigators during initial questioning that they had been bullied at school, but he did not give further details.
Police said the two had no criminal records, and it was not immediately clear where they got the pistols used in the attack. Capoy said they were able to take the guns into the campus because only one guard was on duty at several entrances and exits.
"The suspects barged into two rooms because after the shooting in the first, the children scampered and the suspects apparently ran after some victims into another room," Capoy told reporters. He said most of those killed and injured were female students.
One suspect was arrested inside the school after the attack, while the second ran away and hid in a nearby house. Police said he was later found after residents alerted officers.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President was saddened by the incident. "The president was saddened by this incident. Anybody, especially the parents of the victims, will feel sad and terrified," Castro said.
The national police urged the public to remain calm and to cooperate with authorities by sharing any information that could help the investigation. The shooting left three students dead and seven others injured, and police are continuing to investigate how the suspects got the guns and what led to the attack.
With PTI Inputs
- Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Jun 22, 2026 14:08 IST
