[Trigger Warning: death, gun violence, school shooting]
Three people were killed following a shooting incident at San Jose National High School on Monday morning, June 22, the Police Regional Office 8 confirmed.
According to a report by RH Jimmy Angay-Angay, the fatalities were two female and 1 male students, while seven other students sustained injuries in the incident.
Several gunshots were heard while classes were ongoing, triggering panic among students and teachers inside the campus.
The Tacloban City Police Station 1 said it received a report of the shooting and immediately responded to the scene to secure the area and conduct an initial investigation.
The incident took place inside San Jose National High School, which was placed under emergency response as evacuation procedures for students and staff were carried out.
Students and teachers at the school are currently being evacuated.
During ongoing police investigations, authorities reported that two of the suspected perpetrators are minors.
One suspect, identified as a Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and a resident of San Jose, Tacloban City, has already been arrested inside the campus.
As of 12:01 p.m., authorities have also confirmed that the second suspect has been arrested outside the school premises.
The Tacloban City Police Station 1 is continuing its investigation to determine the full circumstances and possible motive behind the shooting.
As of 3:19 p.m., a follow-up report from RH Jimmy Angay-angay said the number of injured victims had risen to seven, all of whom are currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
Prior to the incident, photos circulating on social media allegedly showed the two minor suspects posing with firearms. The suspects, aged 14 and 15, are currently under the custody of the Tacloban City Police.
Based on the initial statements of the two suspects, both claimed they had been victims of bullying.
As of now, police said investigations are ongoing.
