School Shooting in Tacloban City: Details and Reactions

On June 22, 2026, a tragic incident occurred at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Philippines. Two students, aged 14 and 15, opened fire with handguns, resulting in the deaths of three students and injuring seven others. Both suspects have been apprehended, according to police reports.

Regional police chief Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy confirmed that the suspects and the victims were all students of the same school. The shooting took place mid-morning at the government-managed school, which educates over 1,500 students. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack. Initial questioning revealed that the suspects, who are friends, cited bullying as a reason, though details remain scant.

The firearms used in the attack included a 9 mm pistol, allegedly obtained from an aunt who is a police officer, and a .38 caliber revolver. Security lapses were evident, as only one guard was monitoring multiple entry points, allowing the students to bring weapons onto campus.

Gen. Capoy noted that after shooting in the first class, the suspects pursued other students into another room, resulting in additional casualties. Most of those affected were female students. Police found at least 40 shell casings at the site.

Videos shared online portrayed the frightening scene inside the school, with students hiding under desks amid the sound of gunfire. In one video, students were heard calling their families in distress. Other videos depicted students fleeing the campus, visibly shaken, some holding and comforting each other.

One suspect was captured at the school, while the other initially evaded arrest by hiding in a nearby residence. Local residents notified police, leading to his apprehension. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for a comprehensive investigation into the shooting. He also directed law enforcement to enhance security measures across all educational institutions, workplaces, and public spaces.

Communication Undersecretary Claire Castro expressed the president’s sorrow over the event. “The president was saddened by this incident. Anybody, especially the parents of the victims, will feel sad and terrified,” she stated. Due to their age, the suspects may be handed over to government welfare services following the investigation. Under Philippine law, minors under 15 years old are exempt from criminal prosecution unless they are proven to be fully aware of their criminal actions and its consequences.

The national police have urged citizens to stay calm and assist authorities by providing any related information that could support the investigation. Although crimes involving firearms are a significant issue in the Philippines, largely due to the increase of unlicensed weapons, school shootings remain uncommon. In a separate 2022 incident, a gunman killed a former town mayor and two others during a university event in Manila. That suspect was also detained.