Three dead and five wounded in Philippines school shooting as suspects arrested

At least three pupils have been killed following a school shooting in the Philippines.

The incident took place at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City at approximately 9am local time, leaving at least five students wounded and three confirmed dead.

With lessons in full swing, gunshots rang out, sending students and teachers into a state of panic.

Two individuals have been identified as persons of interest, one of whom is a 15-year-old pupil at the school.

The Police Regional Office-8 reassured the public that steps were being taken to ensure both suspects were apprehended.

Additional officers have been deployed to the area to safeguard students, school staff, parents, and the wider community.

The force said: “We urge the public to remain calm, refrain from disseminating unverified information, and cooperate with authorities by providing any information that may aid the ongoing investigation.”

One suspect was detained at the scene, while the second was caught following a pursuit operation.

The firearm allegedly used in the attack was subsequently seized, according to local media reports.

One suspect, classified as a Child In Conflict with the Law and a resident of Barangay San Jose, was swiftly apprehended at the scene.

The second juvenile suspect was arrested during a hot pursuit operation in Barangay San Jose, with the weapon allegedly used in the shooting recovered from him.

Tacloban City police chief Noelito Getigan revealed that the shooting appeared to stem from alleged bullying endured by the suspects.

The individuals involved are currently undergoing police interrogation.