Three killed and five injured in school shooting in central Philippines

MANILA (Reuters) – Three people were killed and ​five injured in a school shooting in the ‌central Philippines, Philippine police said on Monday.

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Police said the two suspects have been arrested after the shooting at the San ​Jose National High School in the city of ​Tacloban in Leyte province.

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The shooting occurred at approximately ⁠9:00 a.m. (0100 GMT) inside the school in Barangay San ​Jose, the Tacloban City Police Office said, adding that ​an investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances behind the incident.

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Tacloban police chief Noelito Getigan told reporters that the suspects used a .38-caliber ​and 9mm firearm in the shooting.

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One suspect, a ​minor and Grade 9 student, was arrested shortly after the incident, while the ‌other ⁠later surrendered to authorities, Getigan said.

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Police said the victims have been transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment, while additional personnel have been deployed at the school to ​ensure the ​safety of students, ⁠staff, parents and the surrounding community.

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Authorities urged the public not to disseminate unverified information and to cooperate with investigators.

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The incident is unusual ⁠in the Philippines, where school shootings happen only sporadically.

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In July 2022, a gunman opened fire at an Ateneo de ⁠Manila University law school graduation ceremony in Quezon City, killing three people, including former Lamitan City mayor Rose Furigay.