Three students were killed while five others were injured following a shooting incident inside San Jose National High School (SJNHS) in Tacloban City, Leyte, on Monday morning.

According to the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), two suspects involved in the incident were immediately arrested, including a Grade 9 student from the same school.

Videos circulating on social media showed students and teachers fleeing the school in panic, with some seen crying in fear.

A wounded female student was also carried by her classmates to safety to receive immediate medical assistance.

Initial police investigation showed that the shooting occurred at around 9 a.m. while most students were in the middle of their classes.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the motive of the suspects and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Following the shooting, classes at the school, as well as at Manlurip Elementary School in Tacloban City, were suspended as part of safety measures.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) classified the incident as a “high-alert situation” and said it is closely coordinating with school officials, law enforcement agencies, and other government offices to provide necessary medical assistance and psychosocial support to affected students and personnel.

DepEd strongly condemned the act of violence and expressed its condolences to the families of the victims.

The agency also urged the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the children involved while the investigation remains ongoing.

The Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) said it has launched a deeper investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the shooting, identify all individuals involved, and establish the motive behind the deadly incident.