WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR: Tacloban school shooting incident

A shooting incident in San Jose National High School in Barangay San Jose, Tacloban City on Monday left three students dead and seven wounded.

The incident occurred at around 9 a.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026.

Two of the three casualties were dead on the spot, while the other one was brought to the hospital but was eventually declared dead.

The shooting allegedly involved two minors, both armed with firearms, who were placed under the police’s custody, according to the Tacloban City Police Office.

“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 nung 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.)

Recovered from the scene are a one caliber .38 revolver and one 9mm Glock pistol, that were allegedly used in the incident.

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

CICL

Meanwhile, the two children in conflict with the law (CICL) have been referred to the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

"Our personnel acted swiftly to place the CICL involved under custody while strictly observing the provisions of Republic Act No. 9344 and ensuring the protection of their rights and welfare,” Police Regional Office 8 Regional Director PBGen. Jason Capoy said.

“We assure the families of the victims and the public that a thorough, impartial, and child-sensitive investigation is underway. PRO 8 remains committed to pursuing justice through the proper legal process and maintaining peace and order in our communities," he added.

Reports said the shooting broke out in a classroom and continued as the victims were chased into the hallway.

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

Following the shooting, the Tacloban City local government suspended classes at San Jose Central School, Manlurip Elementary School, and San Jose National High School.

In a statement, Police Regional Office 8 have deployed police personnel at the site to secure the safety of individuals within the perimeter of the incident. It also urged individuals who have relevant information to cooperate with the authorities.

Thorough investigation

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered a thorough investigation into the shooting, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

Castro also said that Marcos is saddened by the incident.

“Kinakalungkot ng Pangulo ang pangyayari. Kahit sino pa man lalo na ang mga magulang ng mga nabiktima ay makakaramdam ang lungkot at takot,” she added.

(The President is saddened by the incident. Anyone, especially the parents of the victims, will feel the sadness and fear.)

The Department of Education (DepEd) in Eastern Visayas meanwhile on Monday assured support for learners and school personnel following the shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this unfortunate incident, particularly the learners, personnel, and families who may have experienced fear, trauma, or distress as a result of the situation,” the regional office said.

The DepEd Regional Office VIII said it has coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other concerned agencies to provide psychosocial support services to affected learners and personnel.

The agency also said it immediately coordinated with the Philippine National Police, the Schools Division Office of Tacloban City, and school authorities to ensure the safety and security of learners, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and other individuals inside the school premises. —KG/RSJ, GMA News