At least three students were killed and seven others wounded after two students opened fire at a high school in the central Philippines, police said Monday.

The shooting occurred at about 9 a.m. (01:00 GMT) at San Jose National High School in Tacloban city on Leyte island, about 580 kilometers (360 miles) southeast of Manila. Two suspects were arrested: one a minor and Grade 9 student, the other later surrendered.

Tacloban police chief Noelito Getigan said the suspects used a .38-caliber and 9mm firearm. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances.

Victims were taken to nearby medical facilities, and additional police were deployed at the school. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an investigation, expressing sadness and directing authorities to ensure safety in all areas, especially schools.

The Department of Education condemned the violence, calling it a “high alert situation.” School shootings are rare in the Philippines; in July 2022, a shooting at Ateneo de Manila University killed three people.

Source: www.aljazeera.com