Marcos orders thorough probe of Tacloban City school shooting

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed sympathies to the victims of a shooting incident at a school in Tacloban City and has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.

The shooting occurred at San Jose National High School at around 9 a.m. on Monday. It left three people dead and five others wounded.

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

“The President is saddened by what happened. Anyone, especially the parents of the victims, would feel sadness and fear,” said Palace press officer Claire Castro in a Viber message to reporters.

“A thorough investigation is being ordered, and protection and safety are being ensured in all places, offices, and establishments, especially in schools,” she continued.

According to the Police Regional Office Eastern Visayas (PRO 8), the suspects were reportedly victims of bullying. They are both Grade 9 students and have been taken into police custody.

READ: Tacloban City school shooting suspects may have been bullied

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

The two suspects, aged 14 and 15, allegedly opened fire on students in two classrooms, Capoy said. They will be turned over to the city social welfare department. /das