A false alarm triggered panic at a public high school in Tacloban City on Friday morning, leaving three students injured in a brief stampede, authorities said.

Police said the incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. at San Jose National High School in Barangay 87 after a concerned citizen reported a supposed disturbance inside the campus to Police Station 1. Officers assigned to the school immediately verified the situation.

Initial findings showed the commotion began during a Grade 12 class when a teacher asked a student to sing. While performing, the student called on a partner to join them at the front of the room, prompting cheers and loud reactions from classmates.

Students in nearby classrooms, hearing the noise, mistakenly believed a shooting was taking place, causing panic that quickly spread throughout the school.

The confusion led to a brief stampede as students rushed out of their classrooms, resulting in minor injuries to three individuals.

School principal Leizel Pulga and responding police officers clarified that no shooting or threat occurred, and all students and faculty members were safe. Authorities said the situation was quickly brought under control, and classes were not suspended.

Officials reminded the public to verify information before sharing it to prevent unnecessary fear and confusion.