Two students, aged 14 and 15, who opened fire at a high school in Tacloban City on Monday, were reportedly victims of bullying, which led to the fatal shooting that killed three students and injured at least 20.
According to the initial investigation by the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO), the suspects were Grade 9 and Grade 10 students at San Jose National High School, where the shooting happened.
In its statement, the TCPO said the shooting occurred at 9:20 am when classes were already ongoing.
TCPO public information officer Police Lieutenant Evalyn Diaz said that after shots were heard inside the school premises, teachers and students became alarmed, which prompted some students to run outside while others chose to hide inside the classrooms.
Suspects claimed to be bullying victims
As the investigation continues, Eastern Visayas police chief Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said the two students, who were close friends, claimed that they were bullied in school, but did not elaborate during initial questioning.
The police also said that the suspects did not have any criminal records before the school shooting.
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How the students acquired the guns and how it happened
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said one of the shooters had two magazines of ammo for his 9mm pistol, while the other fired a single shot from his 38-calibre revolver.
PNP Public Information Office OIC PCol Allen Rae Co said in an interview that one of the students had a policewoman aunt who taught him how to shoot.
The firearm used in the incident was reportedly his aunt’s service weapon.
“The suspects barged into two rooms because after the shooting in the first, the children scampered and the suspects apparently ran after some victims into another room,” Capoy said.
Looking into his social media accounts, Co said one of the shooters had posted violent videos of killings.
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A premeditated attack
Before the fatal shooting on Monday, investigators revealed that the two students had planned the attack since April or May.
Reports also said that the two had coordinated how to bring firearms into the school, and even studied the provisions of Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, the Philippine News Agency reported.
Capoy said the 14-year-old suspect was also addicted to an online game called GoreBox, which authorities are linking to his violent behaviour.
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The aftermath
The shooting resulted in the deaths of three students – two female and one male student – and left 20 injured, mostly due to gunshots. One student was grazed by a bullet in the head.
The student suspects are currently in custody and will be turned over to the city social welfare and development office.
Videos of the shooting have been circulating online, showing students and teachers hiding under desks, who can be heard screaming and weeping as gunshots were being fired outside.
Following the incident, the Tacloban City Information Office announced that classes at the San Jose Central School, Manlurip Elementary School, and San Jose National High School were suspended.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a full investigation into the case and directed the police to strengthen safety in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
The Department of Education (DepEd) also declared a “high-alert situation” and promised to provide teachers and students with critical medical assistance and psychosocial interventions.
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Violence in Philippine schools
Just weeks after the opening of School Year 2026-2027, incidents of violence have been reported in the country.
The first incident occurred on June 16, when a 14-year-old Grade 8 student injured seven pupils in a knife attack at Bethel Academy in General Trias City, Cavite.
The PNP said the student was suffering from a depressive condition and was turned over to social welfare officials for medical and psychological evaluation.
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Newsjustnews writers 
James Mario Ajero 
Jheruleene Anne Ramos