A rare school shooting occurred at a school in central Philippines on the 22nd, leaving at least 3 dead and 5 injured.
The shooting took place at San Jose High School in Tacloban City. Shortly after 9 a.m., local police received reports and immediately dispatched officers to the scene, sealing off the campus and maintaining onsite security to ensure the evacuation and safety of students, teachers, and staff.
Authorities have not yet determined the motive behind the attack. According to footage shared on social media, classes were ongoing when the shooting started, and the sudden consecutive gunshots threw students and teachers into panic. Some classrooms were reportedly locked down in an emergency, with students frantically hiding under desks and chairs, creating a highly tense atmosphere.
According to the government media "People's Television Network," two suspects have been arrested, both reportedly students. The Philippine News Agency reported that one of the suspects is a 15-year-old ninth-grade student.
While school shootings are extremely rare in the Philippines, firearm violence targeting specific individuals is frequently seen in local politics.
The Philippines strictly regulates legal gun ownership, but a large gun black market still exists among the public.