The 14-year-old gunman fired at least 33 rounds and reloaded his handgun during the incident in Tacloban City. Investigators found that one of the two teenage suspects in the school shooting fired at least 33 rounds and reloaded his handgun during the incident, which claimed the lives of three students and left at least 20 others wounded.
During a briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, Philippine National Police (PNP) officials confirmed that the suspect fired multiple shots using a 9mm handgun. Police said the suspect was a student at the school, but refused to name the youth, citing a need for further investigation.
PNP officials said that the suspect reloaded his handgun during the incident and continued firing. The incident occurred at around 8:45 a.m. in the school's cafeteria.
Police officials said that several students were rushed to the hospital for treatment. The victims were identified as 17-year-old John Carlos Dela Cruz, 15-year-old Jay-ar Alipio, and 12-year-old Mark Dexter Obrero.
Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez expressed shock and sadness over the incident. 'This is a senseless and tragic incident that should never have happened,' Romualdez said.
The suspect is currently under the custody of the PNP and is set to face a separate investigation. The suspect will be charged with murder and multiple counts of attempted murder.
The incident occurred just days after the PNP launched a nationwide campaign to rid the country of loose firearms. The PNP has since confiscated over 5,000 guns nationwide.
The suspect was reportedly motivated by a personal grievance against the school. 'He was angry with the school administration and decided to take matters into his own hands,' said the suspect's lawyer.
The PNP has vowed to take decisive action against all students who possess firearms. 'We will make sure that everyone involved in the incident will face the full force of the law,' said PNP Chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr.
The school has since suspended classes indefinitely pending an investigation into the incident. The incident has sparked calls for stricter gun control laws in the country.
And in reaction to this, the Philippine Congress has vowed to push through with a stricter gun control bill that aims to reduce the number of loose firearms in the country.
Police officials said that they would look into the suspect's motivation and background. 'We will do everything in our power to make sure that this never happens again,' said the spokesperson.
The PNP has also appealed to the public to report any information regarding the suspect.
PNP officials said that the suspect will face a separate investigation. 'We will make sure that everyone involved in the incident will face the full force of the law,' said PNP Chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr.
The PNP has vowed to take decisive action against all students who possess firearms.
The Philippine National Police has set up a task force to conduct an investigation into the incident.
According to reports, the suspect's parents had filed a complaint against the school administration earlier this year.
The suspect had a history of behavioral issues and had been suspended from school several times.
The suspect's lawyer said that the suspect had been motivated by a personal grievance against the school administration.
The suspect had access to a 9mm handgun and fired multiple shots at the school.
The Philippine Congress has vowed to push through with a stricter gun control bill.