Trigger warning: Violence
Metro Manila, Philippines – Education Secretary Sonny Angara said bullying is among the possible motives behind the deadly shooting at a public high school in Tacloban City, as authorities continue to piece together what led to the attack.
In an interview on The Newsmaker, Angara said initial information reaching the Department of Education indicated that one of the student suspects may have experienced bullying, although he stressed that the report remains unverified.
“Yung isang student baka na-bully daw yung sa Grade 9 but we’re still verifying this,” he said.
[Translation: One of the students may have been bullied, but we are still verifying that information.]
Angara also disclosed that the shooting involved two separate incidents inside San Jose National High School.
According to information relayed to the department, one student allegedly opened fire on learners in a Grade 9 classroom, while another shooting occurred in a Grade 10 classroom.
“Dalawa nga. Tapos two separate incidents ito,” he said
[Translation: Yes, there were two. These were two separate incidents.]
The education chief said students and teachers attempted to secure one classroom by locking its doors, but one of the suspects allegedly continued firing through the windows.
Angara said three were killed based on initial reports, while another victim was reportedly in critical condition.
