Full Breakdown
Tacloban School Shooting Leaves Three Dead, Several Injured
6/23/2026, 12:09:50 AM
Attack Overview
On 22 June 2026 at 09:00 GMT, two Grade-9 students, 14 and 15, fired a 9 mm Glock pistol and a .38-calibre revolver inside San Jose National High School, Tacloban City. Three students died; five to seven were wounded. One suspect was arrested on site; the other surrendered later.
Rarity and Background
School shootings are rare in the Philippines, where gun ownership requires background checks and psychological evaluation. The last school-related gun attack was in July 2022 at an Ateneo de Manila University law-school graduation, killing three.
Timeline
- 09:00 GMT: Shooting inside classrooms.
- Minutes later: Police secure campus, arrest one suspect.
- Later morning: Second suspect surrenders.
- Afternoon: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. orders a full investigation.
- Evening: Department of Education declares a “high-alert situation”.
Why It Matters
The case highlights unsecured firearms—one pistol linked to a police officer, the revolver to a security firm—and underscores bullying-related violence in schools, testing the government’s capacity to protect public institutions.
Official Responses
President Marcos expressed sadness, ordered a thorough probe and tighter school security. The Department of Education called it a “high-alert situation,” pledged psychosocial aid. Police chief Getigan confirmed the weapons and warned against unverified reports. PNP spokesperson Co said the Glock pistol belonged to an officer under investigation.
Criticism & Opposition
Mother Jennelyn Badoria demanded charges against the gun owners, arguing the weapons would not have reached the youths otherwise. Lieutenant Diaz urged parents to securely store firearms and discuss safety with their children.
On-the-Ground Reports
Video shows students cowering under desks as gunshots echo. Victims were taken to nearby hospitals; city officials provided “psychological first aid” to students and staff.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the injury count (five vs. seven) and on whether the second suspect was initially at large. The exact route by which the firearms entered the school remains under investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Initially, the motive of the crime is a grudge related to school bullying,” — Allen Rae Co, Philippine National Police spokesperson
- “We call on parents who have firearms to be more responsible, hide their firearms, make sure those are properly hidden, talk to their children,” — Evalyn Diaz, Tacloban police lieutenant
- “I'm asking that the gun owners be charged, because the guns wouldn't have ended up in the children's hands if it weren't for them,” — Jennelyn Badoria, mother of a victim
- “The president regrets the incident,” — Claire Castro, presidential spokeswoman
What’s Next
The PNP is conducting forensic analysis of the weapons and pursuing the officer linked to the Glock. Authorities will review school security protocols and consider stricter household firearm controls while the Department of Education maintains heightened security and counselling services.
