Three people were killed while five others were injured in a shooting inside the San Jose National High School in Barangay San Jose, Tacloban City around 9 a.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026.

Personnel of the Tacloban City Police Station (TCPO) responded immediately to secure the area and ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel.

Two minor suspects, 14 and 15 years old, were arrested.

All victims and survivors are students. Those injured were brought to medical facilities for treatment.

Investigation was launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In a statement released after the incident, TCPO urged those with relevant information to coordinate with the police.

“We assure the public that we are working closely with concerned agencies and school authorities to maintain peace and security and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future,” TCPO said.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office-8 condemned the incident and assured the public that all measures are being undertaken to ensure the immediate arrest of the remaining suspect.

PRO-8 said additional police personnel have been deployed in the area to ensure the safety of students, school personnel, 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,” PRO-8 said.

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

DEPED STATEMENT

Meanwhile, the Department of Education-Regional Office VIII  (DepEd-8) expressed concern over the incident.

In a statement, DepEd-9 director Salustiano Jimenez said the office is coordinating closely with the police, the Schools Division Office of Tacloban City, and other concerned agencies to ensure the safety of students and personnel.

DepEd-8 also mobilized psychosocial support services and other assistance for those affected.

The office urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could cause panic as the matter is already under investigation.

“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,” DepEd-8 said.

“DepEd Regional Office VIII is committed to providing necessary support to the affected school community and to working closely with partner agencies to ensure that schools remain safe, secure, and conducive spaces for learning,” it added.

(GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak with reports from John Kevin Pilapil, contributor)