3 killed, 7 injured in school shooting in Philippines; two minor suspects nabbed

Manila [Philippines], June 22 (HBTV): Three teenage students were killed and seven others injured after two armed minors opened fire at a high school in the central Philippines on Monday morning. Authorities have apprehended both suspects, according to state media reports.

The shooting occurred at around 9 a.m. local time at the government-run San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte province, the Philippine News Agency reported.

According to the Tacloban City Police Office, classes were underway when the suspects entered the campus and began shooting. A Grade 9 student was apprehended shortly after the incident, while a second suspect, also a Grade 9 student, was arrested several hours later with the assistance of residents from a nearby community.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for a thorough investigation. Authorities have tightened security measures and appealed for calm as the probe continues.

The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed grave concern over the incident and assured the public of a coordinated response with authorities on the ground.

'We are working hand-in-hand with relevant government agencies to deploy critical medical assistance and appropriate psychosocial interventions for the affected learners and personnel,' the department said.

According to The Jakarta Post, President Marcos's spokesperson, Claire Castro, said he was 'saddened by what happened.'

'Anyone, especially the parents of the victims, would feel grief and fear,' Castro told reporters, adding that measures were being taken to ensure safety in public spaces, including schools.

The publication noted that in 2022, three people, including a former city mayor, were killed in a shooting incident before a graduation ceremony at Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippine capital. Authorities later determined that the attack was an assassination driven by personal motives.

(ANI)