An attack by two armed teenagers has led to the death of three students, and seven others gruesomely injured in the Philippines school, causing massive grieving at the scene.
The alleged teenagers of ages 15 and 14 were said to have made way into the school where the study and fired gunshots randomly, causing the number of casualties and injured victims, as well as causing terrifying scenes at the school, with students running for safety.
A police Lieutenant, Evalyn Dias, who disclosed that the incident happened at San Jose National School in Tacloban, said that there were loud gunshots, after which he saw a shooter walk towards the school premises.
”I saw a shooter walking towards our area, so I told the students to be calm and hide under their desks and I locked the door,” Dias said.
”They were crying and in panic,” he added.
One Jennelyn Badoria, mother of the 15-year-old teenager with the guns, said that whosoever gave the guns out to the gang must be prosecuted and made to face the wrath of the law.
Irvin Nogar, a 52-year-old teacher in the school, who disclosed that he was in the middle of the class when he heard gunshots, said that the accused duo are in police custody and being put on probation.
The police said that it had heard bullying was the motive behind the attack, disclosing that it has started interrogating the suspects in the presence of their parents due to their minor age.
The security agency also informed that the injured victims have been taken to hospital and are receiving adequate treatment to ensure their recovery.
The Department of Education has issued a statement noting that all its officials are on ground, coordinating closely with school activities and law enforcement to secure the premises.
President Ferdinand Marcos expressed sadness over the incident, stating that the government would continue to provide adequate security in schools and public places to ensure safety of the students and citizens.