Tacloban City School Shooting: 3 Teens Killed, 7 Wounded at San Jose National High School

The Heartbreaking Incident at San Jose National High School

The shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on Monday, June 22, has left families across the region reeling. Three students lost their lives while seven others were wounded in an attack that struck two classrooms. This tragedy touches the core of our communities, where parents send their children to school each day expecting safety and learning.

Residents in nearby barangays are coming together in the spirit of bayanihan to support those affected. The loss hits hard in a place where every student represents hope for their families and the future of Leyte province.

Young Suspects Taken Into Custody

Two grade 9 students, aged 14 and 15, have been taken into police custody as the suspected gunmen. Their identities remain withheld under Republic Act 9344, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, to protect children involved in such cases. Police Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy, director of the Philippine National Police's Regional Office 8, confirmed the details during a phone patch interview with reporters.

One suspect was caught at the school shortly after the shooting. The second was later found in a nearby barangay after residents joined the search and alerted authorities. Both suspects have no prior criminal records, and they are now under police custody pending referral to the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

All procedures follow established child-sensitive protocols and legal safeguards, as stated by PRO-8. This careful handling reflects our shared commitment to protecting young people even amid such painful events.

Victims and the Human Toll on Families

Of the three students killed, two were female and one was male. Most victims were grade 9 students, the same year level as the suspects. The seven wounded students are currently in stable condition, bringing some relief to their worried parents and kapitbahays.

The gunfire reached two classrooms, disrupting the daily lives of many young learners. These students, like countless others across the Philippines, come from families who work hard to give them an education. The incident reminds us how violence can suddenly upend the dreams of entire households in Tacloban City.

Communities are now focusing on healing, with neighbors offering support in the way Filipinos often do during times of crisis. The stable condition of the wounded offers a small measure of hope as families gather at hospitals and homes.

Police Response and Ongoing Investigation

Responding officers from the Tacloban City Police Office and PRO-8 quickly secured the campus after the shooting. The suspects reportedly used a pistol and a .38-caliber revolver. Investigators are tracing the firearms, including whether they belonged to police personnel.

Brig. Gen. Capoy noted that charges would be filed against any officer found to own the weapons. Early findings suggest the gunmen had specific people in mind, though the students who were shot did not appear to have been the intended targets.

The two suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues. This process involves careful coordination with local government units to ensure every step respects the law and the community’s need for answers.

Actions by DepEd and Local Authorities

The Department of Education has described the shooting as a high-alert situation. DepEd is providing medical and psychosocial support to affected students and staff while urging the public to respect the privacy of the children involved.

The Tacloban City government announced the suspension of classes at San Jose National High School, San Jose Central School, and Manlurip Elementary School. This step allows time for the community to process the events and for authorities to ensure safety before students return.

PRO-8 and the Tacloban City Police Office have condemned the shooting. Their swift deployment of officers highlights the role of our police in protecting schools and neighborhoods during difficult moments.

School Safety Measures and National Context

School shootings remain rare in the Philippines, even as gun violence occurs in other settings. The last known incident at a public school happened in Nueva Ecija in 2025, when a 15-year-old female student was shot inside a classroom at Sta. Rosa Integrated School.

That earlier event, along with other violent incidents reported on campus in August 2025, led DepEd to order stricter measures nationwide. These include a total ban on firearms, inspection of bags at school entrances, a more visible security presence, and controlled entry and exit points.

The current situation in Tacloban City reinforces why such precautions matter for families who rely on schools as safe spaces for their children. Communities continue to watch how these measures help protect students in the months ahead.

Supporting Affected Students and Communities

DepEd’s focus on medical and psychosocial support aims to help students and staff begin the long process of recovery. In Tacloban City, local leaders and barangay officials are expected to play key roles in coordinating aid for grieving families.

The emphasis on privacy for the children involved shows respect for the dignity of young people caught in this tragedy. As classes remain suspended, parents and teachers are finding ways to stay connected and offer comfort to one another.

This event serves as a reminder of the strength found in Filipino communities when facing hardship. Through continued cooperation between families, schools, and authorities, Tacloban City can work toward restoring a sense of security for its students.