The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Palo is mourning a deadly school shooting in Tacloban City, calling for prayers, solidarity and renewed efforts to prevent similar violence.
In a statement, Archbishop John Du said the Church is “greatly shocked and grieving” over what he described as a “horrific act of violence” at San Jose National High School on Monday.
Authorities said two students, aged 14 and 15, opened fire inside the school, triggering panic and forcing students and staff to flee for safety. The attack left three people dead and at least 13 others wounded.
Police said the suspects were arrested and were in custody.
The archbishop extended prayers not only for those killed and injured, but also for the wider school community shaken by the shooting.
“As we pray for the victims and mourn with their families and loved ones, our thoughts and prayers also go to all those who have in one way or another been affected by this tragedy,” Du said.
The archbishop also called for deeper reflection on the formation of young people, saying the tragedy “challenges us all” to examine the values being taught in homes, schools and communities.
“This tragedy challenges us all to reflect on how we (our nation, our families and communities) have raised our children and young people and on the values we have imparted to them,” he said.
He urged the public to work together to address the roots of such violence and to strengthen efforts so similar incidents “will never happen again.”
