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Jun 22, 2026 Major6
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Two Philippine Students Arrested After Deadly School Shooting; Gaming App Blocked Pending Investigation
Two teenage students opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Philippines, on Monday, killing three and wounding at least 20 others. The planned attack, motivated by alleged bullying, has prompted authorities to investigate online influences including a violent gaming app, which has been temporarily blocked pending assessment of its role in the incident.

Quick Facts
Who
Two male Grade 9 students, aged 14 and 15
What
Two students opened fire at San Jose National High School
When
Monday, June 22, 2026, mid-morning
Where
San Jose National High School
- Two students opened fire at San Jose National High School
- Killed three fellow students
- Wounded at least 20 others (15 by gunshot, 5 from jumping/panic)
- Used 9mm pistol and .38 caliber revolver
- Planned attack weeks in advance
Two students, aged 14 and 15, opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, central Philippines, on Monday morning, killing three fellow students and wounding at least 20 others in a rare school shooting. The Grade 9 suspects, who were close friends, used a 9mm pistol and a .38 caliber revolver obtained from an aunt who is a police officer and a security agency employee respectively. Police said the attack was planned weeks in advance, potentially as early as April or May, and the suspects cited retaliation for school bullying as their motive during initial questioning.
Of the 20 wounded, 15 sustained gunshot injuries while five were hurt jumping from windows or in the panic to escape. Police recovered at least 40 shell casings at the scene. One suspect was arrested at the school immediately after the shooting, while the second fled and was later found hiding in a nearby house after residents alerted police. The suspects managed to bring firearms onto campus because only one security guard was stationed despite multiple entrances and exits at the school of over 1,500 students.
Authorities are investigating multiple potential influences beyond the bullying motive. Police say one suspect had posted violent videos online and was an avid user of the gaming app Gorebox, described as a "physics-driven sandbox game" centered on "unrestrained destruction." The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center temporarily blocked Gorebox on Tuesday to assess whether the platform played a role in fostering violence. Police are also examining possible influence from online groups promoting rebellion and violent behavior among youth. One suspect had received firearms training at a shooting range, and investigators noted he demonstrated proficiency in changing magazines during the attack.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a thorough investigation and directed law enforcers to boost security across all schools, workplaces, and public areas. The suspects, being minors, will be turned over to government welfare officers after investigation. The 14-year-old may be exempt from criminal prosecution under a 2006 Philippine law that sets the minimum age for criminal liability at 15, unless authorities determine the suspect was clearly aware of the crime and its repercussions. The policewoman aunt who provided the 9mm pistol is under investigation, and the case has renewed focus on firearm proliferation and school security in the Philippines, where school shootings remain relatively rare despite widespread gun violence.
Why This Matters
This incident highlights critical gaps in school security infrastructure and the intersection of bullying, access to firearms, and online influences in youth violence. For readers, it underscores the urgent need for stronger gun control policies, mental health support systems, and digital literacy to identify radicalization online—particularly relevant to developing nations struggling with firearm proliferation and limited resources for school safety.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 22, 2026
WireBoth suspects in custody; initial investigation begins
Jun 22, 2026
WireSuspects hide in school bathroom for over an hour before attack.
Jun 22, 2026
WireTwo students open fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, killing three and wounding at least 20
Jun 22, 2026
WireOne suspect arrested on campus; second suspect fled to a nearby house.
Jun 22, 2026
WireFirst suspect arrested at the school; second suspect flees and hides nearby
Jun 22, 2026
WireSecond suspect found and arrested by police.
Jun 22, 2026
WireSecond suspect found by police after residents alert authorities
Jun 22, 2026
WirePresident Marcos orders thorough investigation and enhanced security measures.
Jun 23, 2026
WireSuspects tell investigators they were motivated by school bullying
Jun 23, 2026
WirePolice disclose attack was planned weeks in advance
Jun 23, 2026
WirePresident Marcos Jr. orders thorough investigation and enhanced security measures
Jun 23, 2026
WireCybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center temporarily blocks Gorebox gaming app
Entities
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
- Philippine National Police
- Tacloban city
- Aboy Paraiso
- Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center
- Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
- Police Regional Office Eastern Visayas (PRO 8)
- Claire Castro
- San Jose National High School
- San Jose National High School
- Police Regional Office Eastern Visayas
- Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy
- Philippines
- Republic Act No. 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act)
- Gorebox
Sources
- Philippines High School Shooting Tacloban San Jose 022bd9892d858b1bc5e9ed741e0d7222apWireJun 22, 2026
- Philippines School Shooting Gaming App Ab07b5fe756419ec1fd0d06f9f4b9201apWireJun 23, 2026
- 2 students in custody after shooting at high school in Philippines kills 3 and wounds 20NBC NewsMediaJun 23, 2026
- Tacloban City school shooting planned weeks before, say policeInquirer.netMediaJun 23, 2026
- 菲校园枪击案死伤增至23人 少年嫌凶或受网上暴力影响zaobaoMediaJun 23, 2026
- 'The Two Went Straight to the Classroom, Started Firing'NewserMediaJun 22, 2026