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 11 others wounded.

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

Two of the three fatalities died on the spot, while the other victim 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.)

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 (PRO) 8 said it 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.

Evidence

Recovered from the scene were 40 bullet shells, one .38 caliber 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.

According to a report on Super Radyo dzBB, the 9mm Glock pistol is issued to a PRO 8 female officer. She is also the aunt of one of the suspects.

The female police officer who owns one of the firearms is now under restrictive custody, according to PRO 8.

Authorities said one of the suspects brought the gun inside the school hidden inside a sling bag, while the other was not monitored by the school guard.

“Sad to say, ma’am, hindi nila, hindi talaga sila nag-i-inspect lalo na kung identified naman nila na student ng school, hindi po,” PRO 8 Spokesperson P/Maj. Analiza Armeza said on dzBB.

(Sad to say, ma'am, they really do not conduct inspections, especially if they have identified the person as a student of the school.)

Meanwhile, the .38 caliber revolver is registered to a security agency in Cebu City.

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.

The 14-year-old suspect, the relative of the police officer, will be exempted from criminal liability pursuant to Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, according to Armeza.

“Exempted from criminal liability, however, ire-refer din namin yon for appropriate intervention ng City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO),” she added.

(He is exempted from criminal liability. However, we will still refer the minor for appropriate intervention by the CSWDO.)

Meanwhile, the 15-year-old will be evaluated by the CSWDO, if proven that he acted with discernment, appropriate cases will be filed against him.

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/RF, GMA News