Manila [Philippines], June 22, 2026, BNN Web Staff: A tragic shooting at a secondary school in the Philippines claimed the lives of three students and left seven others injured on Monday, prompting a nationwide outpouring of grief and renewed concerns over school safety.
The incident occurred at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, located in Leyte province, where classes were in session when two armed teenagers allegedly entered the campus and opened fire on students.
According to local police, the attack took place at around 9 a.m. local time. Authorities moved swiftly following the shooting, arresting one suspect, a Grade 9 student, shortly after the incident. A second teenager believed to be involved was later apprehended with the assistance of local residents in a nearby community.
Emergency responders rushed the injured victims to hospitals for treatment, while security forces secured the school premises and launched an investigation into the motive behind the attack.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed deep concern over the tragedy and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The government has also directed authorities to review security measures in educational institutions and public spaces.
The Department of Education (DepEd) said it was coordinating closely with law enforcement agencies and local officials to provide medical support and psychological counselling to affected students, teachers and families.
Presidential spokesperson Claire Castro said the president was saddened by the incident, noting that the tragedy had caused immense grief and anxiety among parents and communities. She added that additional safety measures were being considered to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The shooting has shocked the nation and revived discussions about student welfare, school security and youth violence. Investigators are continuing to examine the suspects’ backgrounds and possible motives as authorities seek answers in one of the country’s deadliest school-related attacks in recent years.
