Two minors allegedly linked to Tacloban school shooting now in police custody

The Tacloban City Police confirmed that two minors allegedly involved in a shooting incident in a school on Monday have been placed under police custody.

The shooting incident, which occurred at San Jose National High School in Barangay San Jose, Tacloban City at around 9 a.m. Monday, resulted in three fatalities and seven injuries.

“Kanina is nahuli sa loob ng school ‘yung isa. Tapos ‘yung isa, ma’am, is na-identify naman po and na-hot pursuit. Nahuli rin po siya sa likod lang ng subdivision nu'ng eskwelahan,” Tacloban Police Public Information Officer Police Lieutenant General Evalyn Diaz said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

(Earlier, one of them was caught inside the school, while the other was identified and captured during a hot pursuit operation just behind the school's subdivision.)

Diaz said both students were armed with firearms.

Recovered from the scene by the Tacloban police were a caliber .38 revolver and one 9mm Glock pistol, which were allegedly used in the incident.

The firearms will be subjected to proper forensic examination, according to authorities.

Investigation is underway regarding the students' motive, with authorities looking into whether bullying was involved.

The two students have been referred to the City Social Welfare and Development Office by the police “with procedures in accordance with child-sensitive protocols and legal safeguards.”

“First time itong mangyari dito sa lugar namin, sir, kaya pati kami nagulat na may ganito," Diaz said.

(This is the first time something like this has happened in our area, which is why even we were shocked by this incident.)

The Department of Education (DepEd) called the shooting incident a “high-alert” situation.

“We strongly condemn this act of violence and extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as our earnest prayers for the swift recovery of those who were injured. The Central Office is now mobilizing assistance to our affected learners,” DepEd said in a statement.

Following the incident, the local government unit suspended classes at San Jose Central School, Manlurip Elementary School, and San Jose National High School.

The class suspension was immediately implemented, and further details will be provided once an executive order is issued, the Tacloban Public Information Office said.

In a statement, Police Regional Office 8 assured the public that police personnel have been deployed to the site to ensure the safety of students, school personnel, parents, and the community.

“We urge the public to remain calm, refrain from disseminating unverified information, and cooperate with authorities by providing any information that may aid the ongoing investigation,” the statement read. —KG/RSJ, GMA News