Tacloban school shooting kills three, sparks security overhaul

On June 22, 2024, a shooting erupted inside San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Philippines. Two minor students, a Grade 9 and a Grade 10 pupil, opened fire, killing three students aged 16‑17 and wounding five others. Police arrested the suspects and began investigating how they obtained firearms and whether bullying played a role.

The incident prompted Philippine senators to call for tighter school security. Senator Raffy Tulfo urged the passage of legislation mandating CCTV cameras, metal detectors and perimeter fences in schools, while Senator Loren Legarda emphasized broader anti‑bullying measures, mental‑health support and community involvement. The Department of Education is coordinating with local governments to fund these security upgrades.