TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Palo is calling for deep reflection, prayer, and solidarity following a rare and devastating school shooting that claimed the lives of four students and injured 20 others at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.
The tragedy unfolded on the morning of Monday, June 22, 2026, when two teenage suspects, aged 14 and 15, opened fire inside the campus while classes were ongoing. The incident triggered widespread panic, forcing students and teachers to barricade themselves in classrooms or flee for safety.
Archbishop John Du of Palo released a statement expressing the profound sorrow of the local Church, describing the attack as a “horrific act of violence”.
“As we pray for the victims and mourn with their families and loved ones, our thoughts and prayers also go to all those who have in one way or another been affected by this tragedy,” Archbishop Du said.
A Community Shaken
Gun violence in Philippine schools is extremely rare, making the events in Tacloban particularly shocking for the nation. According to police reports, the suspects used a .38 caliber revolver and a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol. One suspect was a student at the school who had reportedly been held back a grade, while the other was an outsider. Initial investigations suggest the motive may have been rooted in a “grudge” related to alleged bullying.
Both suspects were taken into police custody shortly after the shooting, one restrained by teachers and students at the scene, and the other apprehended at his nearby home.
In the wake of the violence, President Bongbong Marcos ordered a thorough investigation, and classes at San Jose National High School, along with two nearby schools, were immediately suspended.
A Call for Deeper Reflection
Beyond offering prayers for the dead and wounded, Archbishop Du challenged the faithful to look closely at the cultural and familial roots that allow such violence to take root in the hearts of the young.
“This tragedy challenges us all to reflect on how we (our nation, our families and communities) have raised our children and young people and on the values, we have imparted to them,” he stated.
The Archbishop urged the public to work together to address the underlying causes of youth violence and to strengthen moral formation so that such incidents “will never happen again”.
The tragedy has also sparked national conversations among lawmakers and educators regarding campus safety, the impact of bullying, and proposed amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act concerning the minimum age of criminal responsibility.
In times of senseless tragedy, we are reminded of our profound need for God’s healing and the importance of nurturing peace within our own homes. Let us resolve to respond to this sorrow through:
- The Holy Rosary: To pray the Sorrowful Mysteries for the souls of the four students who lost their lives, asking the Blessed Mother to comfort their grieving families.
- Eucharistic Adoration: To spend time before the Blessed Sacrament, praying for the physical and emotional healing of the 20 injured students and the traumatized school community.
- The Sacrament of Confession: To examine our own hearts and seek forgiveness for the times we have failed to show charity, patience, or understanding to those around us, especially the young and vulnerable.
- The Holy Mass: To offer our participation in the Eucharist for an end to violence in our schools and communities.
- Sacred Scripture: To reflect on the words of Christ in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these,” renewing our commitment to protect and properly form the next generation.
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