Metro Manila, Philippines – Authorities arrested two minors after the fatal shooting of three high school students, while seven others were injured, Tacloban Vice Mayor Raymund Romualdez said on Monday, June 22.

In an interview with Newswatch Plus, Tacloban City police public information officer Evalyn Diaz said the three students were dead on arrival at the hospital, five had gunshot wounds, and that two learners were injured in the commotion.

She said the 14- and 15-year-old suspects are under police custody accompanied by their parents. Both are students of San Jose National High School (SJNHS).

“They did it with intent. That’s guaranteed,” Romualdez said. He added that one of the suspects posted a picture of them both brandishing firearms.

Diaz said the shooting began at around 9:40 a.m. Students suddenly heard gunshots during class hours. The two suspects then entered a classroom and continued shooting.

A suspect attempted to evade authorities by hiding in a nearby house. Locals detained him.

Romualdez said the suspects used handguns that authorities have recovered. Investigators are determining how the suspects obtained the firearms and ammunition.

Asked about a possible motive, Tacloban police chief PCol Noelito Getigan said one of the suspects said he was bullied.

Meanwhile the city government suspended classes at San Jose Central School, Manlurip Elementary School, and SJNHS.

The Department of Education Eastern Visayas said it is coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide support to employees and students of the school.

Authorities are also coordinating with the DSWD as both suspects are minors.