Marcos orders investigation as gunfire at Philippines school leaves three dead

Two suspects, including a minor, were arrested after a shooting at a high school

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attends a plenary session at the Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan, Russia Jun 18, 2026. REUTERS/Anastasia Barashkova/Pool

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered an investigation into a school shooting in Tacloban that killed three people and injured five others.

"The president is saddened by the incident," his office said, adding that he had directed authorities to ensure safety in all schools and establishments.

Police said two suspects have been arrested after the shooting at San Jose National High School, a city on Leyte Island, around 360 miles southeast of Manila.

The shooting occurred at approximately 9am, police said, with an investigation ongoing.

Tacloban police chief Noelito Getigan said the suspects used a 38-calibre and 9mm firearm.

One suspect, a minor and Grade 9 student, was arrested shortly after the incident, while the other later surrendered.

Victims have been transported to nearby medical facilities, police said, and additional personnel have been deployed at the school for safety.

The Department of Education called the incident a "high alert situation" and extended condolences to the victims' families.

Such shootings remain unusual in the Philippines.

In July 2022, a gunman killed three people, including former Lamitan City mayor Rose Furigay, at an Ateneo de Manila University law school graduation in Quezon City.