3 dead, 7 wounded in rare Philippines school shooting, police say

A rare school shooting in the central Philippines has left three students dead and seven wounded after two fellow students opened fire with handguns at San Jose National High School in Tacloban city. The incident occurred mid-morning on Monday.

The suspects, identified as 14 and 15-year-old boys, were apprehended by police. Initial questioning revealed they claimed to have been bullied at school. Both students have no prior criminal records. Authorities are investigating how the firearms were brought onto the campus, noting that only one guard was on duty at the school's multiple entrances and exits.

Over 40 spent shells were recovered at the scene. Police reported that the suspects entered two classrooms, pursuing victims after the initial shooting. Most of the casualties were female students. Videos circulating online captured the sounds of gunshots and the terrified screams of students hiding in classrooms, while others showed students fleeing the campus in distress.

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The suspects barged into two rooms because after the shooting in the first, the children scampered and the suspects apparently ran after some victims into another room.

One of the weapons, a 9mm pistol, was registered to a policewoman in the region who has since been taken into custody. The other firearm, a .38 caliber revolver, was registered to a security agency. Police are still determining how the minors obtained these weapons.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation and directed law enforcement to enhance security measures in all educational institutions, workplaces, and public areas. He expressed deep sadness over the incident, acknowledging the fear and grief of the victims' families. The national police urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with the investigation.

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The president was saddened by this incident. Anybody, especially the parents of the victims, will feel sad and terrified.