Fatal Shooting at San Jose National High School
Three students have tragically lost their lives and seven others sustained injuries following a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Philippines. The incident, which is considered rare for a school setting in the country, involved two teenage suspects, aged 14 and 15, who are now in police custody.
Details of the Incident and Investigation
Authorities reported that one suspect was apprehended shortly after the shooting, while the second later surrendered. Local police officials are currently questioning the teenagers, with initial indications suggesting the motive may stem from a “grudge” related to bullying. The suspects were reportedly armed with a .38 revolver and a 9mm pistol.
While gun violence is not uncommon in the Philippines, school shootings are exceptionally rare. Evalyn Diaz of the Tacloban City police confirmed to BBC News that this is the first school shooting in the city in recent memory. In response to the incident, police patrols have been increased throughout the city as investigations continue.
“We call on parents who have firearms to be more responsible, hide their firearms, make sure those are properly hidden, talk to their children,” Diaz urged.
The mother of one of the 15-year-old victims, Jennelyn Badoria, called for accountability for those who allowed the shooters access to the firearms. “I’m asking that the gun owners be charged, because the guns wouldn’t have ended up in the children’s hands if it weren’t for them,” she stated outside the school.
Community and Official Response
The education ministry has expressed profound concern over the tragic event. In a statement, they called for collective prayer for the safety, healing, and recovery of all those affected. The seven wounded students are currently receiving medical treatment in the hospital, though their conditions have not yet been updated.
Despite this incident, police data indicates a declining trend in gun violence cases nationwide in recent years. The Philippine National Police recorded nearly 5,000 gun violence incidents across the country in 2024.
Tacloban City, home to approximately 250,000 residents and located on Leyte Island, is about an hour's flight from Manila. The city was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, which resulted in 6,000 fatalities and exacerbated poverty in the region.