Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez on Monday called for a thorough and swift investigation into the fatal shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.
“I call on law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough and swift investigation so that all those responsible are held fully accountable under the law,” Romualdez said in a statement, as he mourned the victims of the tragic attack.
He expressed deep sorrow over the incident, which initial police reports say resulted in the deaths of three students and injuries to seven others.
“I am deeply saddened and heartbroken by the tragic shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that claimed the lives of students and left several others injured,” he said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, the injured students, their classmates, teachers, and the entire school community as they face this unimaginable tragedy,” he added.
Romualdez emphasized that schools must remain safe environments for learning and development.
“A school should always be a place of learning, safety and hope. No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child in a place where they are supposed to be protected,” he said.
He also assured the public that his office will coordinate with local authorities and national agencies to provide immediate assistance to affected families.
“I have directed my office to coordinate with local authorities and relevant government agencies to determine what assistance can immediately be provided to the affected families,” Romualdez said.
Police are currently verifying the number of fatalities, as initial reports said the shooting resulted in the deaths of three students and injuries to seven others. However, local officials, including Vice Mayor Raymund Romualdez and Barangay Captain Lucille Bahin Macato of Barangay 87, Manlurip, later reported that the death toll had risen to four.
Authorities confirmed that two suspects, aged 14 and 15, are currently in police custody as investigations continue to determine the motive behind the shooting.
