The two minors planned the shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City for more than a month before carrying out the attack, the Police Regional Office Eastern Visayas (PRO-8) said on Tuesday.
In an interview at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Eastern Visayas Regional Director P/BGen. Jason Capoy said investigators found that the suspects had already identified a target as early as May 1. However, the intended target was not present when the incident occurred, as reported by RH Edniel Parrosa on DZRH's Operation Tulong.
“Based on information, as early as May 1… April or May 1 pa nilang pinagplanuhan,” Capoy said.
Capoy added that the perpetrators, two male Grade 9 students aged 14 and 15, had reportedly discussed the plan in advance, including how they would bring a firearm from their respective homes, where they would meet, and the timing of the attack.
He also confirmed that screenshots circulating on social media, allegedly showing their conversations, were found to be authentic based on police verification.
“Inaaral din nila, nagbabasa ng batas, ganunpaman nagbigay ng mensahe yung local government dito na talagang mananagot,” Capoy said, noting that the suspects appeared aware of potential legal consequences.
In the suspects’ reported conversations, they appeared to have discussed provisions of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act as part of their planning.
Authorities are also looking into possible motives, including bullying, as well as reports that one of the suspects may have been exposed to “violent“ online games, including “GoreBox.”
The shooting occurred around 9:20 a.m. on Monday at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, triggering panic across the campus as students and teachers fled for safety after gunshots were heard.
They are currently under the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), pending turnover to the city social welfare office in line with Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
Meanwhile, authorities reported that the number of affected individuals has risen to 23. Three students were confirmed dead, 15 sustained gunshot-related injuries, and five others suffered non-shooting-related injuries.
