Tacloban: Authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with the shooting incident inside a classroom at San Jose National High School in this city on Monday morning that left three students dead and seven others injured. The first suspect, a Grade 9 student, was apprehended shortly after the incident, which occurred around 9 a.m. The second suspect, also a Grade 9 learner, was arrested several hours later with the assistance of residents from a nearby community, according to the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO).
According to Philippines News Agency, police are conducting an extensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify other individuals who may have been involved, and establish the motive behind the attack. Authorities have yet to disclose the identities of the suspects, citing their status as minors, as well as details regarding the firearms used in the shooting that shocked the school community.
In a statement, the TCPO strongly condemned the incident and assured the public that an immediate police response was undertaken to secure the area and ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel. Police officers immediately secured the scene and launched a thorough investigation.
The TCPO also appealed to the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary alarm or hamper the ongoing investigation. Authorities encouraged anyone with relevant information regarding the incident to coordinate with the Tacloban City Police Office.
"The TCPO stands in solidarity with the victims, their families, the students, faculty, and the entire San Jose National High School community during this difficult time," the police office said.
In a separate statement, the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas (PRO-8) assured the public that all necessary measures are being undertaken to maintain public safety and security. "Additional police personnel have been deployed in the area to ensure the safety of students, school personnel, parents, and the community," PRO-8 said.
The incident prompted the Tacloban City government to suspend classes on Monday at San Jose National High School, as well as at nearby San Jose Central School and Manlurip Elementary School.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it will allow law enforcement authorities and the prosecutors concerned to investigate the shooting incident, 'subject to all applicable safeguards under the law, especially those involving children in conflict with the law.'
'At present, authorities are gathering all material details, including the identities of the victims, those injured, and the persons allegedly involved, as well as the circumstances and possible motive behind the incident,' DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said in a statement. 'We will release further information once the facts have been sufficiently ascertained and are proper for public disclosure.'
