Tacloban shooting suspect ‘quiet, socially withdrawn’ — teacher

TACLOBAN CITY—A teacher at San Jose National High School in this city, where a deadly shooting incident involving two students has sparked public alarm, described one of the suspects as “quiet, socially withdrawn,” and academically behind his expected grade level.

“He is a loner. He does not mingle much with his classmates. He was also a repeater,” the teacher said.

READ: Both suspects in Tacloban school shooting arrested — police

The teacher, who requested anonymity, said the student was supposed to be in Grade 10 but remained in Grade 9 after failing to maintain good grades.

Investigators are now looking into whether reported incidents of bullying may have been linked to the shooting, as well as whether the attack was premeditated.

Police are also verifying details about the suspects’ backgrounds, including reports that one of them has relatives in law enforcement.

The incident has reignited concerns over campus safety, with teachers noting that the school has only two security guards despite accommodating over 1,600 students.

The attack, which occurred at around 9:20 a.m, claimed the lives of three students and wounded five others./coa