A school shooting occurred on Monday at a national high school in Tacloban City, Philippines, resulting in three deaths and five injuries. President Ferdinand Marcos expressed deep regret over the incident and instructed relevant authorities to launch a comprehensive investigation while strengthening security measures at schools nationwide.
Presidential Palace Press Secretary Claire Castro stated in a press release that the President was saddened by the event and offered condolences to the victims' families.
"The President is deeply saddened by this incident. Anyone, especially the families of the victims, would feel grief and fear," she said.
According to the report from the Philippine National Police Regional Office 8, the shooting occurred at around 9 a.m. at the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City. Preliminary investigations show the incident resulted in three deaths and five injuries, with the injured sent to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Castro stated that the President has ordered law enforcement units to thoroughly investigate the case and to ensure that security measures at schools and public places are strengthened.
Police revealed that both suspects involved are minors, aged 14 and 15. One was quickly arrested after the incident, while the other suspect who fled the scene was later apprehended by police.
Philippine National Police Chief Natatiz said that police will conduct a full investigation to clarify the reasons for the incident, including the motives of the two minors and the source of the firearm.
He said investigators have been instructed to work closely with the parents and school to collect all relevant information. At the same time, police will also coordinate with the Department of Education to study further measures to enhance the safety of teachers and students in schools nationwide.
According to current regulations, police are not allowed to enter campuses without the approval of the school authorities, so the relevant units will also review the existing security mechanisms.
Regional Director Jason Capoy revealed that investigators are currently verifying whether the two suspects had been subjected to long-term bullying at school, which could become an important focus of the investigation.
The two suspects are currently in police custody and will later be handed over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for further processing.
The motive for the incident is still under investigation.