3 Killed in Philippine School Shooting; One Suspect Is a Student

Tacloban, Philippines: A Grade 9 student was among two suspects arrested after a shooting at a high school in the central Philippines left three people dead and five others injured on Monday, police said.

The attack took place at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte province, at around 9 a.m. local time. Authorities said the student suspect, who is a minor, was taken into custody shortly after the shooting, while the second suspect later surrendered to police.

Investigators said the suspects used .38-calibre and 9mm firearms during the incident. Police have not yet disclosed a motive and said an investigation is underway to determine what led to the attack.

The injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Additional police personnel were deployed to the school to secure the area and reassure students, staff and parents.

Officials urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information as investigators continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.

School shootings are uncommon in the Philippines. A similar incident in July 2022 saw a gunman open fire during a graduation ceremony at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, killing three people, including former Lamitan City mayor Rose Furigay.

Pic Credit: AFP