Three students die in shooting at school in the Philippines

Victims and injured

The identities of the three students killed have not yet been confirmed by police. Several of the injured were taken to hospitals immediately, according to official information.

A video circulated on social networks shows screaming and crying students while gunshots can be heard. The footage shows students hiding under desks and two male students barricading a door before further shots ring out.

Eyewitness accounts and video footage

A police spokesperson said there had been indications that the two juveniles may have been bullied. Police say they are working to identify all those involved and to clarify the motive. The origin of the firearms is the subject of ongoing investigations.

Security situation at the school

The security situation at the school is at the center of the investigation. According to the police spokesperson, the school had multiple entrances and exits, but at the time of the incident only one security guard was on duty. This statement is supported by an official statement: „Die Schule verfügt über mehrere Ein- und Ausgänge, aber zum Zeitpunkt des Vorfalls war nur ein Sicherheitsbeamter im Einsatz."

Police announced that those responsible would be held to account. „Auch werden geeignete polizeiliche Maßnahmen ergriffen, um sicherzustellen, dass die Verantwortlichen nach dem vollen Umfang des Gesetzes zur Rechenschaft gezogen werden," it said in a statement. Authorities also called on the public to remain calm.

Reactions from authorities

Following the incident, all schools in the surrounding area were initially closed. The precise extent and duration of the closures were initially unclear. Parents were asked to seek information through official channels.

The news of the attack prompted dismay in the Philippines. A spokesperson for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the president was deeply affected and had ordered a comprehensive investigation. The presidential office assured the victims and their families of support.

Tacloban City, the capital of Leyte province, was already hit hard by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. The city is located in the east of the archipelago and is considered a regional center for education and administration. The current incident throws a spotlight on the question of security at schools in the region.

Investigations and open questions

The incident occurred on Monday morning at around 07:00 local time, during ongoing school operations. Students and teachers fled the buildings or barricaded themselves inside classrooms, eyewitnesses reported. Rescue services arrived on the scene after a short time.

According to police statements from the afternoon (local time), one of the suspects had been arrested immediately after the attack. The second suspect was arrested on the same day, while another suspect remained at large. Police released no details on the whereabouts of the fugitive suspect.

Authorities made clear that the casualty figures were preliminary and could still change. At the time of the report, at least five people were reported injured; individual sources spoke of up to seven injured. The injuries reportedly ranged from minor to severe gunshot wounds.

The case evokes memories of earlier incidents of violence at schools in various countries and raises questions about prevention, access to firearms, and the handling of bullying at schools. International reactions to the incident had not been received by the evening (local time).

The Philippine National Police announced it would swiftly continue the investigations. Investigators would examine the origin of the weapons, possible accomplices, and the precise circumstances of the attack, a spokesperson said. The school supervisory authorities also announced a review of security measures at all schools in the region.