Tacloban City school shooting: Bullying-related grudge eyed as motive

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A personal grudge allegedly rooted in school bullying may have triggered the shooting inside a public high school in Tacloban City that left three students dead and seven others injured on Monday, June 22.

Initial findings by the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) indicated that the attack inside San Jose National High School in Barangay San Jose may have stemmed from a personal conflict involving the students.

Authorities stressed, however, that a thorough investigation is still ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Two minors under custody

Authorities said two students allegedly involved in the shooting are already in police custody.

One of the minors was immediately apprehended, while the other was taken into custody after police launched hot pursuit and manhunt operations.

In accordance with Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, as amended, police withheld the identities of the minors.

The two are under the custody of Police Station 1 and are expected to be referred to the City Social Welfare and Development Office while authorities carry out procedures under child protection and juvenile justice laws.

READ: Tacloban school shooting: Teachers, students help stop suspect

Guns recovered

Police also recovered the firearms believed to have been used in the attack.

These included a .38-caliber revolver and a 9mm Glock pistol, which have been turned over for forensic examination and inventory.

Authorities are conducting an in-depth investigation to determine the sequence of events, motive, and other circumstances surrounding the shooting.

3 dead, 7 wounded in Tacloban shooting

The shooting occurred at around 9 a.m. inside the school campus.

According to the TCPO, 10 minors were wounded in the incident. Seven sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals, while three were later declared dead by attending physicians.

READ: Tacloban City school shooting: 3 killed, 7 wounded, 2 suspects caught

Authorities have yet to release the identities of the victims pending notification of their families.

Police Station 1 personnel immediately responded to the scene after receiving reports of an active shooting involving students.

Responding officers secured the area and assisted in bringing the wounded to medical facilities for emergency treatment.

Assistance, security measures

The Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas (PRO-8) said authorities are coordinating with school officials, local government units, and other concerned agencies to provide assistance to the victims and their families.

READ: Officials assure tighter security in schools after Tacloban shooting

Police are also strengthening security measures following the incident.

Tacloban City Police Office Director Col. Noelito Getigan said investigators are working to establish the truth and determine accountability while observing laws protecting minors.

“We assure the public that a thorough and impartial investigation is underway to establish the truth and ensure accountability while observing applicable laws, especially those protecting minors,”  he said.

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