Two junior high school students remain in custody following a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on Monday, June 22, 2026. The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8) confirmed that the two male suspects, aged 14 and 15, killed at least three students and injured others. Authorities report the attack was planned months in advance.
Evidence of premeditated planning
Police investigators believe the shooting was not an impulsive act. According to PRO 8 director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy, the suspects began planning the attack as early as April or May of this year. During a phone interview, Capoy stated that information gathered by the police suggests the planning phase commenced around May 1. The suspects, both Grade 9 students, allegedly utilized firearms belonging to a security agency and a relative of one of the suspects who is a police officer.
Legal implications and juvenile status
The investigation is currently examining whether the suspects’ alleged familiarity with the law influenced their actions. Brig. Gen. Capoy addressed reports suggesting the students may have coordinated methods to bypass school security, noting that the suspects appeared to have studied the provisions of Republic Act No. 9344, also known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. While officials have not confirmed these online rumors, Capoy described the situation as “worrisome” due to the apparent level of preparation. The legal status of the suspects remains a focal point, as investigators look into how the two students accessed weapons and whether they anticipated the legal consequences of their actions under existing juvenile justice frameworks.
Potential next steps in the investigation
As the investigation continues, authorities are likely to focus on the chain of custody regarding the firearms used in the incident. Because the weapons were linked to a security agency and a police officer, investigators may prioritize determining how these individuals accessed the prohibited items. Furthermore, legal analysts expect the court to evaluate the suspects’ understanding of Republic Act No. 9344 as part of the proceedings. Future developments could include a formal assessment of the suspects’ backgrounds and their potential connections to external influences as police work to determine if others were involved in the planning process.
