In a tragic event on Monday, June 22, 2026, two students opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban city, Philippines. The shooting resulted in the death of three students and injuries to seven others. The suspects, aged 14 and 15, were apprehended by the police, according to regional police chief Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy.
Both the assailants and victims attended the same school, which has an enrollment of over 1,500 students. Investigations are underway to uncover the motives behind the attack. Initial questioning revealed that the suspects, who are close friends, claimed they were victims of bullying. However, they have no prior criminal records.
One suspect acquired a 9 mm pistol from an aunt working as a police officer, now under investigation. The second suspect used a .38 caliber revolver. Lax security measures at the school, including only one guard on duty, allowed them to bring firearms onto the campus, stated Capoy. “The suspects attacked two rooms. After the initial shooting, the students fled, and the suspects pursued them,” he added. Most victims, including both the deceased and injured, are female.
Police discovered at least 40 shell casings on the premises. Videos uploaded online show students hiding under desks in a locked classroom, screaming and crying as gunshots resonate outside. Others depict students leaving the campus in visible distress, seeking comfort in one another’s presence.
Authorities managed to arrest one suspect on campus, while the second suspect initially escaped to a nearby house but was located by police after residents reported his whereabouts. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for a deep investigation and instructed law enforcement to increase security across schools and public places.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro conveyed, “The president is saddened by this event; any parent’s heart would break over such news.” In compliance with the law, the minor suspects will be handed over to government welfare officers. The 14-year-old suspect is protected from criminal charges under a 2006 law, which holds only those 15 and older accountable, provided they understood the nature and consequences of their actions.
The national police urge citizens to stay calm and assist with investigations by sharing relevant information. Although gun-related crimes are common in the Philippines, school shootings are rare. A notable incident in 2022 involved a gunman targeting an upscale university during a graduation ceremony, resulting in three deaths due to a personal vendetta. The assailant in that case was captured.