The Department of Education (DepEd) in Eastern Visayas said authorities are continuing their investigation into the motive behind the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, including reports that bullying may have played a role, but stressed that no conclusions have been reached.
In an exclusive interview, DepEd Region VIII Director Dr. Salustiano Jimenez said the agency is coordinating with investigators to determine the real cause of the incident.
“Though may mga nasabi ang PNP, but we have to check. We will delve deeper as to the real cause,” Jimenez said when asked about reports that the suspects may have been victims of bullying.
Jimenez disclosed that based on information provided by school officials, the two minor suspects were known to each other. One was a Grade 9 student while the other was in Grade 10, although one of them had reportedly returned to Grade 9 after repeating a year.
Despite speculation surrounding the incident, Jimenez said school authorities had not observed any warning signs from the students before the shooting.
“Last week naman daw, sabi ng principal, wala naman daw manifestation na mayroong problema. Kasi bagong pagsimula lang ng klase,” he said.
The regional director noted that classes had only recently resumed, making it difficult to immediately verify claims that bullying had been ongoing.
“Kaya tinanong pa namin kung ano talaga yung katotohanan nung binu-bully talaga kasi. Kakapasok lang ng mga bata sa school ngayon,” Jimenez added.
According to initial reports gathered by DepEd, several of the students who were wounded during the attack said they did not personally know the suspects.
“Hindi nila alam, hindi nila kilala. Wala silang, hindi nila friends yung mga suspect,” Jimenez said, noting that the school has a student population of about 1,611 learners.
He also revealed details of how the attack unfolded. The suspects were reportedly outside the classrooms when they opened fire through the windows at around 9:20 a.m., shortly after the flag-raising ceremony and the start of classes.
“Nasa loob yung mga bata, yung mga suspect po sa labas ng classroom. Doon lang sila sa window po nagbaril,” Jimenez said.
As students rushed out after hearing the gunfire, some were reportedly shot outside the classrooms as well.
“Narinig yung putokan at naglabasa na. Tapos pinaputokan,” he added.
Jimenez said teachers were present inside the classrooms during the attack, but none of them were reported injured.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including how the firearms were obtained and brought onto campus, while DepEd and local officials work to provide support to affected students, teachers, and families.
