Three students died and at least 20 others were wounded during a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on Monday, June 22. The attack was carried out by two students, aged 14 and 15, who allegedly fired into classrooms containing up to 50 students.
What happened at San Jose National High School?
The shooting occurred on Monday, June 22, involving two students from the Grade 9 and Grade 10 levels. According to a teacher at the school, one of the suspects fired shots indiscriminately from outside a classroom window before entering rooms filled with 40 to 50 students. The incident resulted in three student fatalities and left at least 20 others wounded.
How does this attack fit a pattern of school violence?
While the source notes that school attacks are relatively rare in the Philippines compared to the United States, the Tacloban incident is the latest in a series of violent campus events. This recent attack involves students aged 14 and 15, a demographic similar to the 2023 Isabela stabbing where a 13-year-old student attacked two classmates.
The provided records show a recurring pattern of violence involving both students and faculty:
- Student-on-student violence: In 2015, a 21-year-old student killed a classmate in Iloilo City, allegedly due to bullying. In 2023, a 13-year-old student killed a classmate in Quezon City following a misunderstanding over jealousy.
- Attacks on teachers: In 2016, a 15-year-old student stabbed a teacher in Cagayan de Oro City. In 2025, a 20-year-old student in Lanao del Sur killed a teacher, Danilo Barba, following a failing grade.
- High-profile shootings: In 2022, three people, including former Lamitan City Mayor Rose Furigay, were killed during a shooting at Ateneo de Manila University.
What historical incidents have been recorded?
The source links the current climate of school violence to older, controversial incidents, including a 1972 event involving Rodrigo Duterte. During a 2016 campaign speech in Iloilo City, Duterte claimed he shot a fraternity brother at San Beda College in Manila after being bullied for being Bisaya.
“I waited for him, I told myself I’ll teach him a lesson,” Duterte said, recalling that he was in a corridor when the student was pushing people around. “I said, you son of a b*tch, if I get hit, I will shoot you,” he added.
Duterte stated the victim survived, but that he was barred from graduation rites and fled to Davao City by boat to avoid authorities.
What may happen following the Tacloban shooting?
As investigations proceed, authorities are likely to focus on the specific motives of the 14 and 15-year-old suspects. Given the frequency of incidents ranging from 2015 to 2026, school security measures may face increased calls for tightening protocols to prevent further classroom attacks.
