Investigators are exploring the possibility that bullying played a role in the shooting at San Jose National High School in Barangay San Jose, Tacloban City, Leyte on Monday, June 22, 2026. The incident left three students dead and seven others wounded.
Suspects were bullied since Grade 7
Police Regional Office Eastern Visayas Director Brigadier General Jason Capoy said in a telephone interview that the two suspects, aged 14 and 15, are close friends in the 9th grade and have been victims of bullying. “Parang na-bully rin daw ito since Grade 7 at ongoing pa ‘yung interview natin together with (DSWD) Department of Social Welfare and Development at mga teachers and school officials,” Capoy said. (It was reported that the student may have been subjected to bullying since Grade 7. The interview is still ongoing, together with representatives from the DSWD, as well as the student's teachers and school officials.)
Capoy added that based on the investigator’s interview, the victims did not appear to be specifically targeted since most of them were women. “As per interview nung investigator natin, hindi ‘yung targeted ang mga nadale kasi puro babae. Nakita natin may mga babae. Yan po ang lumalabas sa pag-analyze ng tropa on the ground but still tuloy-tuloy ‘yung pag-interview natin sa dalawang minor na suspects,” he said. (Based on the investigator’s interview, the victims did not appear to be specifically targeted since most of them were women. We also observed that there were female victims involved. This is what is emerging from the initial analysis of the team on the ground. However, our interviews with the two minor suspects are still ongoing.)
Three killed, seven wounded
The shooting occurred around 9 a.m. in a classroom occupied by Grade 9 students. Three students—two female and one male—were killed, while seven others—four female and three male—were wounded. All injured are now in stable condition, according to Capoy.
Police recovered the firearms used by the minor suspects: a Glock pistol and a caliber .38 revolver. Investigators are still determining how the suspects obtained the weapons and brought them into the school. “’Yung school ay marami siyang entrance and exit and they only have one security guard na nadeploy tapos during the time of incident, nandun sa guardhouse ‘yung security at around 9 a.m. kaya siguro hindi nila masyadong strictly naimplement yung frisking,” Capoy said. (The school has multiple entrances and exits but only one security guard was deployed. During the time of the incident, the guard was at the guardhouse at around 9 a.m., which may be why strict frisking procedures were not properly implemented.)
Suspects to be turned over to DSWD
The minor suspects will be turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development office for appropriate handling.
DepEd expresses grave concern
The Department of Education (DepEd) issued a statement expressing its “gravest concern” over the tragic incident. “The department considers this as a high-alert situation. Our Central Office officials, alongside regional and division office personnel, are actively on the ground, coordinating closely with school authorities and law enforcement to secure the premises and ensure safety, security, and protection,” it said.
DepEd said it is working closely with concerned government agencies to deploy critical medical assistance and appropriate psychosocial interventions for affected learners and personnel, considering the emotional toll of the incident. “We strongly condemn this act of violence and extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as our earnest prayers for the swift recovery of those who were injured. The Central Office is now mobilizing assistance to our affected learners,” it added.
DepEd urged the public to respect the privacy and dignity of all children involved and to allow proper authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry. It reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety, well-being, and mental health of learners and personnel, and to ensuring that schools remain secure and supportive environments for all.
