MANILA: A rare and shocking shooting incident at a school in central Philippines left at least three people dead and five others injured on Monday, police said, while investigations are underway to determine the motive behind the attack.
Authorities stated that the incident occurred around 9:00 am (0100 GMT) at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, located in Leyte province. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation.
Police confirmed that the injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment and emergency care.
In a statement, regional police said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Government broadcaster PTV reported that two suspects, reportedly students, have been arrested, with one apprehended at the scene.
“The PNP has already caught the suspects and acted swiftly,” presidential spokesperson Claire Castro told reporters.
Although school shootings are extremely rare in the Philippines, incidents of gun violence linked to political and personal disputes have occurred in various parts of the country.
In 2022, three people, including a former city mayor, were killed in a shooting at Ateneo de Manila University in the capital, Manila, ahead of a graduation ceremony. Authorities later described that incident as an assassination motivated by personal disputes.
Firearm ownership in the Philippines is strictly regulated; however, officials acknowledge the presence of an active illegal arms market across the country.
