An official of the Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, said that the shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that killed three students may be premeditated.

In an interview on GMA’s Unang Balita, DepEd Undersecretary for Operations, Dr. Malcolm Garma, said based on initial reports, the motive for the shooting may be due to bullying-related grudge.

However, he said that the attacks were "sporadic and random," not targeted.

“Based on the initial investigation, mukhang meron talagang plano. Parang premeditated talaga ‘yung ginawa ng dalawang bata,” Garma said.

“There are already indications na talagang pinagplanuhan. Kung makikita natin kung bullying ito, kung apektado sila o na-bully sila, dapat targeted eh, dapat tukoy kung sino eh. Pero seemingly, what happened here is talagang sporadic, random talaga. Lahat ng makita at makasalubong ay binabaril talaga,” he added.

However, authorities are still investigating the incident to determine the exact motive.

SECURITY PROTOCOLS

Garma said based on reports, the suspects did not enter through the school's main gate where a security guard was stationed.

He said the suspects allegedly gained access through the rear portion of the campus by climbing over a section of the fence that was reportedly low enough to be scaled.

He added that based on report, the two suspects allegedly changed their clothes before carrying out the mass shooting.

“Accordingly, mayroong gwardya sa harapan ng eskwelahan ito po ay nagbabantay ng gate kaya lang pumasok doon sa likuran kasi medyo mababa yung bakod nila so nakatalon sila sa bakod at accordinly, nagbihis yung dalawa, nagpalit ng damit bago sila nagsimulang mamaril ganoon yung pagkakaulat sa atin kung paano nakapasok yung dalawa meaning hindi sila dumaan sa main gate,” Garma said.

Garma said DepEd had already issued an order stipulating security adjustments in schools following a similar incident that occurred in Nueva Ecija in 2025.

The security protocols include deploying security guards at school entry and exit points, installing CCTV cameras, and conducting random bag inspections or spot checks at school gates.

“Dito sa school na ito ginagawa nila ito may CCTV, may gwardya, may bag search. Kaya lang ang di lang maiwasan ay yung pagpasok gamit ang ibang paraan o ibang lugar,” Garma added.

Following the incident, personnel of the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) strengthened its police presence in schools to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel.

TCPO said enhanced police patrols, increased visibility operations, security assessments, and close coordination with school authorities and community stakeholders are being implemented to maintain safe and secure learning environments.

CLASS SUSPENSION

Classes in all schools under the DepEd Tacloban City Division are suspended on Tuesday, June 23, after the shooting caused public concern and anxiety.

The class suspension aims to prioritize the safety, security, and well-being of learners, teaching personnel, and non-teaching staff.

Announcements on the resumption of classes will be issued by the appropriate authorities.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara also met with teachers and personnel of San Jose National High School in Tacloban City to check on their condition following the shooting incident at the school.

Angara assured school personnel that psychosocial support services will be provided and guidance counselors will be deployed to help students cope with the impact of the incident.

He also held meetings with local government officials, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and DepEd field offices to discuss the incident and strengthen measures to ensure the safety and security of schools and other public places to prevent similar incidents.

Angara also visited the affected students and their families, as well as the wake of those who died.

CASUALTY

Authorities reported that the death toll remains at three, while the number of individuals who sustained gunshot wounds has risen to 20, as of 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Police said 15 sustained firearm-related injuries while five others suffered from non-firearm related injuries.