Three Students Killed, Seven Injured in Shooting at Philippine High School, Two Teens Arrested

Three students were killed and seven others injured after two teenage students allegedly opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, central Philippines, on Monday, police said.

The suspects, aged 14 and 15 , were armed with pistols and were arrested following the mid-morning attack. Both the accused and the victims were students of the same government-run school, which has more than 1,500 students .

Regional police chief Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said the suspects, who were close friends, told investigators during initial questioning that they had allegedly faced bullying at school . However, authorities said the exact motive behind the shooting was still under investigation.

Police said one suspect was detained inside the school after the attack, while the second fled and hid at a nearby house before being located after residents alerted authorities. Investigators are examining how the teenagers obtained the firearms, as neither had any prior criminal record.

According to police, the attackers entered two classrooms, reportedly continuing the assault after students tried to escape. Most of those killed and wounded were female students. Officials also raised security concerns, saying the suspects managed to enter the campus because only one guard was assigned to monitor multiple entrances and exits.

The shooting has sparked fresh debate over firearm access and school safety in the Philippines, where gun-related crimes remain a concern but school shootings are relatively uncommon.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and directed authorities to strengthen security at schools, workplaces and public areas. Officials urged people to remain calm and cooperate with investigators as they continue probing the attack.