Two students armed with handguns opened fire at a high school in Tacloban City on Monday, killing three fellow students and wounding seven others, police said.
The suspects, aged 14 and 15, were both students at the San Jose National High School. Regional police chief Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said the pair, who are close friends, told investigators they had been bullied at the school. One suspect obtained a 9 mm pistol from an aunt who is a police officer, while the other used a .38 revolver registered to a security agency in Cebu City.
The attack occurred mid-morning when the suspects entered two classrooms. Police recovered at least 40 shell casings at the scene. One suspect was arrested inside the school, while the second was found hiding in a nearby house after residents alerted authorities.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a full investigation and directed law enforcement to increase security at schools and public areas. The suspects, as minors, will be turned over to welfare officers. Under Philippine law, the 14-year-old is exempt from criminal prosecution.
