In brief
At San Jose National High School in Tacloban city, a mass shooting on Sunday left three students dead and three wounded. The assaulters, 14‑ and 15‑year‑olds, reportedly carried a .38 revolver and a 9mm pistol that belonged to a relative of a policewoman. Police say the motive was a grudge linked to bullying. The incident sparks calls from parents, the education ministry and the president to tighten firearm controls and review school‑security policies.
Three dead in Philippines high school shooting over bullying "grudge"
A deadly school shooting in Tacloban city on Sunday left three students dead and three injured after two 14‑ and 15‑year‑olds opened fire at San Jose National High School. Police arrested one suspect immediately and secured the other after a brief chase.
Incident details
The gunmen entered the classroom where they fired on classmates and teachers. Investigators recovered about 40 empty shells from the scene and identified a .38 revolver and a 9mm pistol among the weapons used. The pistol, seized by police, is owned by a relative of a policewoman now in custody.
Investigation and motives
Sources say the shooters were driven by a “grudge” related to bullying they experienced at school. Early findings include violent footage of one teen discharging a gun posted on social media. Whether the shooters aimed at a particular class or picked indiscriminately remains unclear.
Police response
The National Police described the event as rare for school shootings, although gun violence is commonplace in the country. Colonel Allen Rae Co noted missed “red flags” in the teens’ behaviour that could have prevented the tragedy. The police are launching a full inquiry and monitoring extended gun‑ownership protocols.
Community reaction
Parents of the deceased called for accountability, urging gun owners to face charges. The mother of a 15‑year‑old victim demanded that those who enabled the shooters “be held…responsible.” Local officials expressed sympathy and promised tighter security checks.
Context of gun violence in the Philippines
Statistical data show a steady decline in nationwide gun‑violence cases, with roughly 5,000 incidents recorded in 2024. Nonetheless, the sudden spike in a school environment underscores ongoing risk. The shooter weapons include firearms owned by civilians, highlighting the need for better storage and regulation.
Government response and future steps
President Ferdinand Marcos’s spokesperson said the administration was “saddened” by the incident. The education ministry called for prayer and announced a comprehensive review of school‑security protocols, bullying policies and behaviour‑monitoring systems. The department urged parents to secure firearms, especially those owned by family members with police ties.
