In brief
Gun violence in the Philippines is rare, yet a 14‑ and 15‑year‑old carried firearms into San Jose National High School, killing three students and wounding others. Investigators point to a bullying‑related grudge and unused warnings. Officials call for stricter gun‑security at homes and a review of school safety protocols.
Gun violence in the Philippines is not uncommon, but school shootings are extremely rare. The latest tragedy, however, shocked the nation when two 14‑ and 15‑year‑old students took rounds of gunfire into San Jose National High School in Tacloban city, killing three classmates and injuring six others.
Police say the suspects were armed with a .38 revolver and a 9mm pistol that belonged to a policewoman, who is a relative of one of the teens. The weapon had been used by the school students’ social media accounts before the attack, raising questions over how the guns were accessed and stored at home.
Both shooters entered the classroom and began firing without warning. The police recovered about 40 empty shells, and three students were killed instantly. A further three were hit by bullets and four wounded by the chaos of people scrambling for safety.
Investigators believe the motive was a “grudge” over bullying that had gone unchecked. The national police spokesperson said early warning signs had been missed, a fact that officials say could have prevented the tragedy.
The mother of a slain 15‑year‑old student said the gun owners must be held accountable. “If the guns had not been in the children’s hands, this could not have happened,” she told AFP outside the school. In response, the city police chief urged parents with firearms to store weapons securely and talk openly with their children.
The education ministry issued a statement expressing deep concern and announcing a review of security protocols, bullying policies, and student behaviour monitoring. It called on the public to pray for the victims and for the safety of all students.
President Ferdinand Marcos’s spokeswoman expressed sadness at the incident, saying the president shares the grief and fear of parents, students and the wider Filipino community.
