The Tacloban City Police confirmed that two minors allegedly involved in a shooting incident in a school on Monday that resulted in the death of 3 and 5 injured have been placed under police custody.

The shooting incident, which occurred at San Jose National High School in Barangay San Jose, Tacloban City at around 9 a.m. Monday, resulted in three fatalities and five injuries.

“Kanina is nahuli sa loob ng school ‘yung isa. Tapos ‘yung isa, ma’am, is na-identify naman po and na-hot pursuit. Nahuli rin po siya sa likod lang ng subdivision nu’ng eskwelahan,” Tacloban Police Public Information Officer Police Lieutenant General Evalyn Diaz said in an interview.

(Earlier, one of them was caught inside the school, while the other was identified and captured during a hot pursuit operation just behind the school’s subdivision.)

Diaz said both students were armed with firearms.

Authorities were still waiting for the parents or guardians of the two minors as of posting time.

Investigations are underway regarding the motive, the type of firearm involved, and how it was brought into the school.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) in Eastern Visayas assured support for learners and school personnel following a shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.

In an official statement, DepEd Region VIII expressed concern over the incident, which occurred on the morning of June 22, and extended its sympathies to those affected.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this unfortunate incident, particularly the learners, personnel, and families who may have experienced fear, trauma, or distress as a result of the situation,” the regional office said.

The agency said it immediately coordinated with the Philippine National Police, the Schools Division Office of Tacloban City, and school authorities to ensure the safety and security of learners, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and other individuals inside the school premises.

DepEd Region VIII added that it has also coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other concerned agencies to facilitate assistance and provide psychosocial support services to affected learners and personnel.

“The safety, security, and well-being of our learners and personnel remain our highest priority,” the regional office said.

It added that the regional office remains committed to providing the necessary support to the affected school community and to working closely with partner agencies to ensure schools remain safe, secure, and conducive spaces for learning.

DepEd said the incident remains under investigation by the proper authorities and deferred to the PNP for details of the case.

“We urge the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and to rely only on official statements from authorized agencies,” it added.

The agency also called on the public to support those affected by the incident.

“We call on everyone to join us in praying for the safety, healing, and recovery of all those affected by this incident,” the statement said.

Further updates will be released through official channels as more information becomes available, according to Salustiano Jimenez, DepEd Region VIII director.