TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Philippines — “I just ran for my life.”
That was how a 16-year-old student described the chaos inside San Jose National High School here on Monday morning, when what began as a routine school day turned into a deadly shooting that left three students dead and 13 others wounded.
The incident marked one of the deadliest school-related attacks recorded in Eastern Visayas, if not the country.
The attack occurred at 9:20 a.m., sending students and teachers scrambling for safety as gunshots rang out across the campus. The school has more than 1,600 students and over 110 teachers.
Within hours, both suspects — minors enrolled in Grades 9 and 10 — were taken into police custody.
According to police, a Glock pistol and a caliber .38 revolver were confiscated from the suspects.
READ: Legarda: Tacloban school shooting highlights youth issues needing action
The fatalities were aged 16 to 17. Two were declared dead at the scene from bullet wounds to the head and back, while another died while being taken to a hospital. Thirteen others were wounded and remain under medical care.
Terrifying ordeal
Witnesses told the Inquirer that the first bursts of gunfire shattered classroom activities, triggering panic among students and teachers who initially struggled to grasp what was happening.
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A teacher who requested anonymity said one of the suspects allegedly fired from outside a classroom window before entering the room.
“We all ducked after he started shooting at us,” the teacher recalled frantically.
Another teacher, Glenn Bazar, said he was conducting the day’s lesson when the second suspect appeared outside his classroom carrying a firearm.
“He pointed the gun at me. I immediately dropped to the floor for safety. My students were already on the floor crying,” Bazar recounted in a separate interview.
One of his students was hit in the hands.
Bazar added that he later saw the suspects moving through parts of the campus while armed.
For students, the ordeal was terrifying and disorienting.
“Diane,” 16, said she ran the moment she had the chance.
“I ran as fast as I could. Several times I stumbled because I was terrified,” she shared, adding that she sustained minor injuries to both ankles while fleeing.
A 44-year-old parent who works at the school canteen said she first noticed something unusual when she saw two students carrying what appeared to be firearms.
Moments later, she heard a succession of gunshots.
“We were all shocked. We did not know what to do. We tried to hide while worrying about our children,” she said.
Her two sons, aged 14 and 16, escaped unharmed.
As word of the shooting spread, anxious parents and guardians rushed to the campus, desperately searching for their children.
Students were seen fleeing in tears, many leaving behind bags and even shoes in their panic.
Some parents embraced their children outside the campus, while others waited anxiously for updates on those still unaccounted for.
Motive still unclear
Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the attack.
Col. Noelito Getigan, Tacloban City police director, said one suspect initially claimed he had been a victim of bullying, though investigators are still verifying the allegation.
“We are still conducting a thorough investigation and gathering statements from witnesses and persons involved,” Getigan said.
A teacher who knew one of the suspects described him as quiet and socially withdrawn.
“He is a loner. He does not mingle much with his classmates. He was also a repeater,” the teacher said.
The student was reportedly supposed to be in Grade 10 but remained in Grade 9 after failing to get passing grades.
Investigators are also examining whether the bullying claim has any link to the incident and whether the attack was premeditated. Reports that one suspect has relatives in law enforcement are also being validated.
Only 2 guards
The shooting has renewed concerns over campus security.
A teacher said the school only has two security guards despite serving more than 1,600 students.
Authorities are reviewing security camera footage turned over to investigators to help reconstruct the sequence of events and determine how firearms were brought onto the campus.
Police quickly secured the school following the incident.
One suspect was restrained by students, teachers, and parents while attempting to flee.
The second later surrendered after being brought to a police station by a neighbor and a tricycle driver.
Getigan said the suspect did not resist arrest and allegedly admitted involvement during initial questioning.
Both suspects remain in police custody as charges are being prepared.
DepEd condemnation
The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Eastern Visayas region condemned the violence and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this unfortunate incident,” it said in a statement.
DepEd regional director Salustiano Jimenez said the agency coordinated immediately with the police, the Schools Division Office, and school officials to ensure safety and response efforts.
Psychosocial support services are also being deployed in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
“The safety, security, and well-being of our learners and personnel remain our highest priority,” DepEd said.
Vice Mayor Raymund Romualdez called the incident a tragedy that has shaken Tacloban. He said the city government would review and strengthen school security measures.
“We are assuring the public that public safety is our main concern,” Romualdez said.
City Social Welfare Officer Chona Bahin said counselors would be deployed for debriefing sessions for students, teachers, and parents.
Classes at San Jose National High School remain suspended indefinitely as investigations continue and the school community begins the long process of recovery. /cb /atm
