School Shooting in the Philippines: Investigation Underway

On June 22, 2026, a tragic shooting occurred at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Philippines. Two students, aged 14 and 15, opened fire during school hours, resulting in the death of three students and injuries to seven others. Authorities confirmed the suspects have been arrested.

Details of the Incident

The shooting took place in the mid-morning, as students were attending classes. Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy stated that the suspects were close friends and claimed they were victims of school bullying. Initial reports indicate no prior criminal records for either suspect.

One of the students obtained a 9 mm pistol from an aunt, who is a police officer and is currently under investigation. The second suspect used a .38 caliber revolver, registered to a security agency in Cebu City, according to Philippine National Police spokesperson Allen Rae Co.

Security Breach and Police Response

These firearms were taken onto the school premises due to limited security. Only one guard was present across multiple entry points. The suspects attacked students across two classrooms, resulting in most casualties being female students. Police recovered over 40 shell casings from the site.

“The suspects barged into two rooms…the children scampered and the suspects ran after some victims into another room.” – Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy

Public Reaction and Government Response

Online footage captured students in distress, sheltering beneath desks while gunfire sounded outside. Another video displayed students fleeing the school, visibly shaken. Following the incident, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an in-depth investigation and urged heightened security at schools and public places.

Under Philippine law, the 14-year-old suspect cannot face criminal charges due to his age. Both suspects will be turned over to welfare officials after the investigation. Authorities have called on the community to remain calm and assist in the investigation.

Broader Context

Firearm-related crimes are common in the Philippines, often attributed to the widespread presence of unlicensed weapons. However, school shootings remain infrequent. In 2022, a notable incident occurred when a man shot and killed three individuals during a graduation event in Manila, including a former town mayor with ongoing disputes.

Ongoing efforts focus on understanding the motives behind these acts and preventing future occurrences.