Police said Tuesday that the two students involved in the deadly shooting inside San Jose National High School in Tacloban City may have been planning the attack as early as May, as investigators move to finalize criminal charges in the case.
Eastern Visayas Police Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said initial findings suggest the suspects began planning the incident as early as May 1, based on information gathered during the investigation.
“So far, that came out during our investigation… Based on information, as early as May 1, if I am not mistaken,” Capoy said in a phone interview.
Authorities said the suspects were allegedly exposed to the violent online game “Gorbox,” which is among the angles being examined.
The shooting left three students dead and 20 others injured, including 15 from gunfire and five from other causes.
Tacloban City police said murder and related charges are being readied against the suspects and may be filed within the day.
Police acknowledged the suspects are minors but said liability will still be determined by the court under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
Investigators recovered 40 empty shells from a 9mm pistol and one spent shell from a .38-caliber revolver used in the attack.
Authorities also confirmed that the 9mm pistol belonged to the aunt of one of the suspects, a policewoman assigned to the Eastern Visayas police regional office. The officer has been relieved from her post and placed under restrictive custody pending administrative investigation.
The second firearm, a .38 revolver, was reportedly registered to a security agency based in Cebu.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered enhanced police visibility in schools nationwide following the incident, directing units to coordinate closely with school officials, local governments, and communities.
“Schools must remain sanctuaries of learning, not scenes of violence,” Nartatez said, as he assured a thorough investigation and support for affected families.