TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — Education Secretary Sonny Angara said Tuesday the shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that killed three students and wounded others was premeditated, according to the Department of Education’s initial investigation.
Two Grade 9 students, aged 15 and 14, opened fire inside the campus shortly after 9 a.m. on Monday, June 22, police said. The suspects, identified in reports as minors “Rod” and “Nash,” were arrested at or near the scene. One was detained minutes after the incident; the second was apprehended with help from local residents.
Authorities recovered a Glock pistol and a .38-caliber revolver, traced to a police relative and a security agency, along with multiple shell casings. Three students — identified as Chris Lorenz Fabian, Joyancee Separa and Ayessa Nicole Dazo — died from gunshot wounds. Reports on the number of injured varied between seven and 20, with several hospitalized.
Angara visited the school on Tuesday to assess the situation, meet local authorities and visit the wounded and victims’ families. He described the attack as a planned “mission” between the two suspects, based on preliminary findings, including their social media activity.
“Details remain unclear” on the full motive, though initial reports pointed to a possible grievance related to bullying. Investigators are examining factors beyond that claim.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed sadness over the incident and ordered a thorough investigation, directing authorities to strengthen security in schools and public places, Malacañang said. Philippine National Police officials announced coordination with DepEd to review security protocols nationwide.
School shootings are considered rare in the Philippines. DepEd has classified the event as a high-alert situation and vowed support for victims, traumatized students and staff. The suspects, as minors, are to be turned over to juvenile welfare authorities.
As of Tuesday, the investigation continued into how the minors obtained the firearms and the full sequence of events. Angara called for intensified campus security measures and efforts to address harmful behavior among learners.
The incident has prompted broader discussions on school safety, though officials described recent cases of school violence as isolated.
