Three students were killed and several injured in a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Philippines. The assailants, aged 14 and 15, reportedly acted on a grudge linked to bullying. They were equipped with a .38 revolver and a 9mm pistol belonging to a relative, a policewoman now in custody.
Authorities recovered approximately 40 shell casings from the scene. Colonel Allen Rae Co indicated that behavior red flags were overlooked, which could have prevented the tragedy. Amid growing outcry, the mother of a victim demanded accountability from gun owners and raised concerns about access to firearms.
This incident has prompted a review of security and bullying policies in schools, as Tacloban grapples with the implications of this unprecedented violence.
Officials note a general decline in gun violence in the Philippines, but this shooting marks a significant concern for the community. President Ferdinand Marcos expressed sorrow over the incident, while the education ministry called for enhanced safety measures in schools.