San Jose National High School Reopens After Mass Shooting, Boosts Security

On June 22, 2026 a mass shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Philippines, killed three students and injured 20. The attack was carried out by two minors, aged 14 and 15, who are now in the custody of a Department of Social Welfare and Development rehabilitation centre.

The school reopened on July 6 with a focus on psychosocial healing rather than regular classes. Students were welcomed by a band and other performers, and counseling activities were provided. Regular lessons will resume gradually, while the two classrooms where the fatalities occurred have been repurposed for storage and office use.

Security was markedly tightened: walk‑through metal detectors, bag inspections, deployment of police officers, and at least 16 new CCTV cameras were installed. Flag ceremonies will be moved to classrooms to avoid large gatherings, and similar measures are being rolled out across the 60 public schools in Tacloban City.

A Senate investigation has identified a possible adult “groomer” linked to the extremist network known as “764,” which is designated as a terrorist group in several countries. The probe suggests the perpetrators were recruited through online gaming platforms such as Roblox, Minecraft and GoreBox, and later contacted via Discord or Telegram. The Philippine National Police has pledged stronger cyber patrols and international coordination to disrupt such networks.