Shock, grief over 'horrific act of violence;' prayers offered — Palo Archbishop

The Archdiocese of Palo is "greatly shocked and grieving" over the school shooting in Tacloban, Leyte on Monday and assured that prayers and support are offered to all those affected, said Archbishop John Du in a statement.

"The Archdiocese of Palo is greatly shocked and grieving on the horrific act of violence and the tragic loss of innocent lives during the school shooting incident that happened in San Jose National High School, Tacloban City," said Du.

"As we pray for the victims and mourn with their families and loved ones, our thoughts and prayers also go to all those who have in one way or another been affected by this tragedy — the school and community, the families of the students and the society which have nurtured our young people," he added.

The prelate said the incident is a challenge on reviewing how the children are raised and the values that have been imparted to them.

"Let us unite and work together that this kind of tragedy will never happen again. We continue offering prayers and support to all the victims and invoke the help of our Lord, that the wounds created in this tragic event may be healed gy His great love and mercy towards his children," said Archbishop Du.

Police said it recovered 40 bullet shells and recovered one police-issued firearm in the deadly shooting incident Monday at the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that killed three people and left 11 others wounded.

According to a report by Sam Nielsen on Super Radyo dzBB, one of the two guns used in the incident is a 9mm Glock pistol issued to a Police Regional Office 8 female officer. She is also the aunt of one of the suspects. — BAP, GMA News