TACLOBAN City— A Catholic parish called for prayer Monday after a school shooting at a local public high school left three students dead and seven others wounded.
The shooting occurred at San Jose National High School in the city’s San Jose district near the airport on June 22, prompting a lockdown and emergency response as students and staff were evacuated from the campus.
READ: Marcos orders probe into school shooting that killed three in Tacloban
In a statement, San Jose Parish urged the faithful “to pause and bring everything to God in prayer,” offering prayers for those affected and asking for mercy, healing and comfort for grieving families and injured victims.
“We unite in prayer for everyone affected by today’s tragic incident,” the parish said.
“May we find strength in faith, compassion in our hearts, and hope in God who remains close to the brokenhearted,” even amid violence and uncertainty,” it added.
The Tacloban City Information Office described the shooting as a “deliberate” act that allegedly stemmed from bullying. Authorities arrested the suspects, aged 14 and 15, and a probe is ongoing.
Initial findings showed the suspects were each carrying a pistol, according to local authorities.
The city government said it is coordinating with concerned agencies, which are providing psychological first aid to affected students, teachers, and parents, as they also work to strengthen security measures in schools.
The city government said it is coordinating with concerned agencies to provide psychological first aid to affected students, teachers and parents while strengthening security measures in schools.
Classes at San Jose National High School, as well as two nearby elementary schools in the San Jose area, were suspended as authorities worked to secure campuses and support affected communities in the aftermath of the shooting.