In a shocking attack at San Jose National High School in Tacloban city, three students were killed and three others injured when two 14‑ and 15‑year‑old classmates opened fire on a classroom. Police authorities confirmed the shooting involved a .38 revolver and a 9mm pistol, the latter belonging to a policewoman who is a relative of the suspects.
The suspects, operating under a “grudge” for sustained bullying, entered the school early in the morning. One was arrested shortly after the incident; the second surrendered later. Approximately 40 empty shells were recovered, and a video of the teen firing a gun was found on the suspects’ social‑media profiles.
Police spokesperson Colonel Allen Rae Co said “red‑flag” indicators of the youths’ behaviour were missed, suggesting that earlier intervention could have forestalled the tragedy. Co added that the shooters may not have known all classroom occupants, but the intent was clear.
A grieving mother, Jennelyn Badoria, highlighted accountability, stating that “the gun owners must be charged, because the guns wouldn’t have ended up in the children’s hands if it weren’t for them.” Her remarks echo calls for stricter firearm safety among families.
The incident was met with national mourning. President Ferdinand Marcos’s spokesperson expressed profound sadness, while Education Minister Evalyn Diaz urged parents of gun owners to secure firearms responsibly and use open dialogue with children.
In response, the Ministry of Education announced a comprehensive review of school security protocols, bullying policies, and behavioural monitoring systems. The review coincides with a broader effort to curb gun violence, which police data indicate has been steadily decreasing in recent years.
Tacloban, a city of 250,000 on Leyte Island in the Visayas, endured devastation during Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. The community’s resilience has been tested anew with this tragic event. Authorities, community leaders, and families stand united in mourning and call for enhanced safety measures to protect future generations.
