Three Students Killed, Seven Wounded in Philippine High School Shooting

Two students opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Philippines, on Monday, killing three fellow students and wounding seven others. The suspects, aged 14 and 15, were both students at the government-run school, which has more than 1,500 students, the Associated Press reported. One suspect was arrested inside the school after the attack.

The second fled and was later found hiding in a nearby house. 38 caliber revolver. One of the weapons was obtained by a suspect from an aunt who is a police officer. They brought the guns onto campus through multiple entrances where only one guard was on duty, regional police chief Brig.

Gen. Jason Capoy said. Police recovered at least 40 shell casings at the scene. The suspects stated during initial questioning that they had been bullied at school, Capoy said. They had no prior criminal records.

The suspects entered two classrooms during the attack. Most of the dead and wounded were female students. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a thorough investigation of the shooting and directed law enforcement to boost security in all schools, workplaces, and public areas, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

The suspects will be turned over to government welfare officers after the investigation because they are minors. Under a 2006 Philippine law, the 14-year-old suspect is exempt from criminal prosecution. The national police urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with authorities by providing any information that may aid the investigation.