Tacloban City school shooting suspects may have been bullied

MANILA, Philippines — The Police Regional Office Eastern Visayas (PRO 8) said the suspects behind the deadly shooting incident at a Tacloban City school were reportedly victims of bullying.

The shooting occurred at around 9 a.m. on Monday inside the school premises in Barangay San Jose.

Both suspects, who are Grade 9 students, have since been taken into police custody.

“We have yet to confirm it, but they were reportedly bullied since Grade 7. Our interviews together with the DSWD, teachers and school officials are still ongoing,” PRO 8 Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy told reporters in a phone interview.

READ: 3 dead, 5 wounded in shooting inside school in Tacloban City

He noted that the two suspects allegedly opened fire at students in two classrooms, killing three children and injuring seven others.

Most of the victims were also Grade 9 students.

“As per interview nung investigator natin, hindi yung targeted mga nadale,” Capoy explained. “After nagkaroon ng putok, nag-scamper yung mga bata parang may hinabol yata.”

“Based on our investigator’s interview, they didn’t hit their targets. After shots were fired, the suspects scampered off like they were chasing after somebody,” he added.

He did not immediately say whom the two suspects were targeting.

The two arrested suspects, aged 14 and 15, will be turned over to the city social welfare department, Capoy added. /gsg