The number of persons wounded in the school shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on Monday has risen to 20, while fatalities remain at three, police said on Tuesday morning.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that three students died in the incident, while one victim remains in critical condition, according to an update by RH Jimmy Angay-Angay.
The PNP said 15 victims sustained bullet-related injuries, while five others suffered non-bullet-related injuries.
The attack occurred at around 9:20 a.m., causing panic across the campus as gunshots rang out and students and teachers rushed to find safety.
Within hours of the shooting, police arrested two minor suspects identified by the aliases “Nash,” 14, and “Rod,” 15.
According to the PNP, investigators recovered a Glock 9mm pistol and a caliber .38 revolver from the suspects.
PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Allen Rae Co said the firearms used in the attack were traced to a policewoman who was one of the suspects’ aunt and a security agency.
“The firearms used were a 9mm Glock and a caliber .38 Armscor. Upon verification, the 9mm Glock belongs, or was issued to a policewoman assigned in PRO-8. The subject policewoman is now under investigation and placed under the custody of the regional police office. While the caliber .38 revolver is registered to a security agency in Cebu City,” Co said.
Police also recovered a total of 40 spent bullet shells from the crime scene.
While the investigation remains ongoing, the PNP said initial findings indicate that the suspects may have carried out the attack due to a grudge related to bullying.
“Initially, it appears that the motive of the crime is a grudge over school bullying,” Co said.
The suspects are currently under police custody and are awaiting turnover to the city social welfare department in accordance with Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
