The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a full and in-depth investigation into the shooting incident inside a public high school in Tacloban City on Monday, as authorities move to determine how firearms were accessed inside the campus and what triggered the attack.
Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., PNP chief, said both suspects are minors and students of San Jose National High School, and are now in police custody as investigators begin reconstructing the sequence of events.
Nartatez extended condolences to the families of the victims, acknowledging the gravity of the incident while assuring that authorities will pursue accountability and preventive measures.
“On behalf of the men and women of the PNP, I extend my sincerest condolences to the family of the victims. Words are not enough to ease the pain of your loss, but we assure that we will pursue all the measures necessary in the interest of justice,” he said.
Initial police deployment was carried out immediately after reports of gunfire inside the school compound on June 22, with responding units securing the area and assisting in the evacuation of students and staff.
Authorities reported that at least 10 individuals were affected in the incident, with three fatalities confirmed after victims were brought to nearby hospitals.
Nartatez said investigators have been directed to coordinate closely with school officials and the parents of those involved to gather relevant information and establish a clearer account of the circumstances leading to the shooting.
He also instructed the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) to work with concerned agencies in providing medical and psychological assistance to students and teachers who experienced trauma from the incident.
In addition, the PNP said it will coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd) to review and strengthen security protocols in schools nationwide, particularly on the prevention of unauthorized entry of firearms.
While existing policy limits police presence inside school campuses without authorization from school authorities, officials said the incident highlights the need to reassess security arrangements to better protect students, teachers, and school personnel.
The PNP said the priority moving forward is to ensure a thorough investigation while developing measures to prevent similar incidents in educational institutions across the country.