Police investigators are looking into bullying as a possible motive behind 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 injured.
Suspects Were Also Bullying Victims, Says Police Director
In a telephone interview, Police Regional Office Eastern Visayas Director Brigadier General Jason Capoy stated that based on initial investigation, the two suspects—aged 14 and 15, close friends, and both in 9th grade—were reportedly victims of bullying themselves. “It appears they have been bullied since Grade 7, and our interview is ongoing together with the DSWD, teachers, and school officials,” Capoy said.
Capoy added that the suspects did not appear to target specific individuals, as most victims were female. “Based on our investigator's interview, the casualties were not targeted because they were mostly girls. We see that there were girls. That is what is coming out in the analysis of the team on the ground, but we are still continuing our interviews with the two minor suspects,” he explained.
Three Dead, Seven Injured in Classroom Shooting
The shooting occurred past 9 a.m. inside a Grade 9 classroom. Three students—two females and one male—were killed. Seven other students—four females and three males—were wounded and taken to the hospital. All 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 looking into how the suspects obtained the weapons and managed to bring them into the school undetected.
Security Lapses at School Identified
Capoy noted that the school has multiple entrances and exits but only one security guard deployed. At the time of the incident, around 9 a.m., the guard was in the guardhouse, which may have prevented strict implementation of frisking procedures. “The school has many entrances and exits and they only have one security guard deployed. During the incident, the security was at the guardhouse at around 9 a.m., so perhaps they were not able to strictly implement frisking,” Capoy said.
The suspects will be turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD).
DepEd Condemns Violence, Mobilizes Assistance
In a statement, the Department of Education (DepEd) expressed its “gravest concern” over the 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,” the agency said.
DepEd added that it is coordinating with relevant government agencies for medical assistance and appropriate psychosocial interventions for affected students and staff, amid the emotional impact of the event. “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,” DepEd stated.
