ORMOC CITY — A 60-year-old man was shot dead by unidentified motorcycle-riding assailants while taking his wife to work Wednesday morning along the national highway in Tabango, Leyte, police said.
The victim, identified only by his alias “Atong,” was driving a motorcycle with his wife, alias “Rending,” 58, riding as a passenger when they were attacked at around 6:08 a.m. in Sitio Sooy, Barangay Inangatan. Both are residents of Villaba, Leyte.
Police said they received a call from a concerned citizen reporting the shooting and immediately dispatched responding officers to the scene.
Upon arrival, authorities found the victim lying face down beside his motorcycle. He had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. His wife survived the attack unharmed.
Based on the initial police investigation, “Rending” told investigators that while they were traveling to her workplace, two unidentified men suddenly appeared and opened fire on them.
After the shooting, the suspects fled on a separate motorcycle toward an unknown direction.
Police launched a hot pursuit operation to track down the assailants, but no arrests had been made as of this writing.
Authorities also requested the Ormoc Forensic Unit to deploy a Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team to process the crime scene and gather evidence.
Investigators have yet to establish the motive behind the killing, and the identities of the suspects remain unknown. The incident remains under investigation.
HEALING AFTER TRAGEDY. Students and teachers of San Jose National High School participate in a Psychological First Aid session organized by the Department of Education and partner agencies in Tacloban City’s San Jose district. The three-day intervention, held at the St. Roch the Healer, aims to help members of the school community recover emotionally following the June 22 campus shooting that left three students dead and 20 others injured. (Photo Courtesy)
HEALING AFTER TRAGEDY. Students and teachers of San Jose National High School participate in a Psychological First Aid session organized by the Department of Education and partner agencies in Tacloban City’s San Jose district. The three-day intervention, held at the St. Roch the Healer, aims to help members of the school community recover emotionally following the June 22 campus shooting that left three students dead and 20 others injured. (Photo Courtesy)
TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Education (DepEd) has conducted a three-day Psychological First Aid (PFA) intervention for students and personnel of San Jose National High School (SJNHS), days after a campus shooting that claimed the lives of three students and injured 20 others.
The psychosocial intervention, which opened on Wednesday, June 23, is part of DepEd’s immediate response to help the school community recover from the June 22 tragedy, considered one of the most devastating incidents to hit a school in Tacloban City in recent years.
Conducted in partnership with the Department of Health, mental health professionals, government agencies, and faith-based organizations, the program aims to provide emotional support and help affected students, teachers, and school personnel process the trauma brought about by the incident.
DepEd Tacloban Schools Division Senior Guidance Coordinator Julienne Rosa Saballa said all teaching personnel will undergo the intervention, while priority is being given to students who directly witnessed or were most affected by the shooting.
“If these experiences are not addressed now, they may manifest later in adulthood. Among students, one sign is when they no longer want to attend classes or lose interest in school, and that could have a significant impact on their future,” Saballa said, translating her remarks from Waray.
She said early psychosocial intervention is vital because untreated trauma may lead to long-term mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, poor coping mechanisms, and feelings of helplessness and isolation.
Saballa also urged parents to remain vigilant for changes in their children’s behavior, emotions, or school performance and to seek professional help if needed.
The intervention is being conducted at St. Roch the Healer Parish and San Jose Parish in Tacloban City’s San Jose district. It is facilitated by DepEd nurses, Department of Health personnel, trained guidance counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health practitioners from both government and non-government organizations.
Participants engage in storytelling, art therapy, emotional processing activities, and individual and group counseling sessions aimed at helping them express their feelings, regain a sense of safety, and begin the healing process.
According to DepEd, the intervention follows the internationally recognized Psychological First Aid framework anchored on the principles of “look, listen, and link,” which focuses on ensuring safety, listening with empathy, validating emotions, and connecting affected individuals to practical assistance, social support, and specialized mental health services.
The psychological intervention is part of DepEd’s continuing efforts to restore a sense of normalcy at San Jose National High School as students and teachers gradually return to classes following the deadly shooting.
AFTERMATH OF VIOLENCE: Members of the Tacloban City Police Office examine the crime scene at San Jose National High School following a deadly shooting that shocked the city and prompted the suspension of classes indefinitely. (Photo by Joey A. Gabieta)
AFTERMATH OF VIOLENCE: Members of the Tacloban City Police Office examine the crime scene at San Jose National High School following a deadly shooting that shocked the city and prompted the suspension of classes indefinitely. (Photo by Joey A. Gabieta)
TACLOBAN CITY — Three students were killed and five others wounded after two minors allegedly opened fire inside San Jose National High School on Monday morning, June 22, in a shocking act of violence that has left the city reeling and raised serious questions about school security.
The two suspects, identified by authorities as Grade 9 and Grade 10 students of the school, are now in police custody as investigators work to determine the motive behind what is believed to be one of the deadliest school-related shooting incidents ever recorded in Eastern Visayas.
The attack occurred at around 9:20 a.m., barely an hour after classes began at the school, which has more than 1,600 students and over 110 teachers.
Police said three students, aged 16 to 17, were killed in the attack. Two victims died at the scene after sustaining gunshot wounds to the head and back, while a third succumbed to injuries while being transported to a hospital.
Five other students suffered gunshot wounds and were rushed to medical facilities for treatment.
As gunfire echoed across the campus, students and teachers scrambled for cover, turning what had begun as a normal school day into a scene of chaos and fear.
Tacloban City Police Director Col. Noelito Getigan said investigators are still piecing together the circumstances surrounding the attack.
One of the suspects reportedly claimed during initial questioning that he had been a victim of bullying, although authorities have yet to verify the allegation.
“We are still conducting a thorough investigation and gathering statements from witnesses and persons involved,” Getigan said.
Police are also examining whether the shooting had been planned and how the suspects obtained the firearms allegedly used in the attack.
A teacher who handled one of the suspects described him as quiet and socially withdrawn.
“He is a loner. He does not mingle much with his classmates. He was also a repeater,” said the teacher, who requested anonymity.
The teacher said the student remained in Grade 9 despite being of an age that would normally place him in Grade 10.
Authorities are validating all information related to the suspects, including reports regarding their family backgrounds and possible connections that may aid investigators in understanding the circumstances leading to the shooting.
Teachers and students who survived the attack recounted moments of terror as the suspects allegedly moved through portions of the campus carrying firearms.
One teacher said one of the suspects first fired from outside a classroom window before entering the room.
“We all ducked after he started shooting at us,” the teacher said.
Another teacher, Glenn Bazar, said he was conducting a lesson when one of the armed students appeared outside his classroom.
“He pointed the gun at me, which made me immediately drop to the floor for safety. My students were already on the floor crying,” Bazar said.
He said he later saw the suspects moving from one classroom to another while carrying firearms.
For many students, survival meant running without looking back.
“Diane,” a 16-year-old classmate of one of the suspects, said she fled the classroom the moment an opportunity presented itself.
“I ran as fast as I could. Several times I stumbled because I was terrified,” she said.
She sustained minor injuries to both ankles while escaping.
A parent working at the school canteen recalled seeing the suspects carrying what appeared to be handguns shortly before the shooting began.
Moments later, she heard multiple gunshots.
“We were all shocked. We did not know what to do. We tried to hide while worrying about our children,” she said.
Her two sons, aged 14 and 16, managed to escape unharmed.
News of the shooting quickly spread throughout the city, prompting hundreds of parents and guardians to rush to the campus.
Many were seen embracing their children in tears after locating them. Some students emerged from the school grounds barefoot, having abandoned their belongings while fleeing the violence.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over security at public schools.
A teacher who requested anonymity said San Jose National High School has only two security guards despite serving more than 1,600 students.
The school is equipped with closed-circuit television cameras, and investigators have taken custody of footage that may help reconstruct the sequence of events.
Authorities are reviewing the recordings to determine how the firearms entered the campus and whether warning signs may have been missed.
Investigators are also looking into reports that one of the suspects was an active member of the school’s Boy Scouts organization.
Police moved swiftly to arrest the two suspects.
One was reportedly restrained by students, teachers, and parents while attempting to flee the school grounds.
The second suspect was later surrendered to authorities by a neighbor and tricycle driver after police tracked him to a residence located about 200 meters from the school.
Getigan said the suspect did not resist arrest and later admitted involvement in the incident during initial questioning.
Both suspects remain under police custody as authorities prepare the appropriate charges and continue their investigation.
The Department of Education in Eastern Visayas condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this unfortunate incident, particularly the learners, personnel, and families who may have experienced fear, trauma, or distress as a result of the situation,” the agency said in a statement.
DepEd Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez said the regional office immediately coordinated with the Philippine National Police, the Tacloban Schools Division Office, and school officials following the incident.
The agency has also partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other government agencies to provide psychosocial support and assistance to affected students and school personnel.
“The safety, security, and well-being of our learners and personnel remain our highest priority,” DepEd said.
Vice Mayor Raymund Romualdez described the shooting as a tragedy that has deeply shaken the city.
“We are assuring the public that public safety is our main concern and that no similar incident would ever happen again here in Tacloban,” Romualdez said.
He commended police officers for their swift response and said the city government would review existing school security measures and provide assistance to the victims’ families.
Meanwhile, City Social Welfare Officer Chona Bahin said counselors and social workers would conduct debriefing sessions for students, teachers, and parents affected by the tragedy.
“Imagine the trauma experienced by our students and even their parents after this deadly incident,” Bahin said.
Classes at San Jose National High School have been suspended indefinitely while authorities continue their investigation and the school community begins the long process of recovery from a tragedy that has stunned Tacloban City.
FESTIVAL QUEENS. Marie Trisha Angela Morabe of Tanauan, Leyte was crowned as this year’s Miss Pintados while Andrea Nucom snared the Miss Tacloban 2026 crown. The two beauty queens will serve as ambassadors of culture, tourism, and community pride throughout their reign.
FESTIVAL QUEENS. Marie Trisha Angela Morabe of Tanauan, Leyte was crowned as this year’s Miss Pintados while Andrea Nucom snared the Miss Tacloban 2026 crown. The two beauty queens will serve as ambassadors of culture, tourism, and community pride throughout their reign.
TACLOBAN CITY — Beauty, culture, and regional pride took center stage as Tacloban City and neighboring provinces crowned their newest queens in a series of pageants held in line with the city’s fiesta celebration.
Top titles were awarded during the Miss Teen Pintados 2026 and Miss Pintados 2026 coronation night held on June 20 at the Leyte Convention Complex, followed by the Miss Tacloban 2026 pageant on June 21 at the Tacloban City Astrodome.
A total of 24 candidates from different cities and municipalities across Eastern Visayas competed in the Pintados pageants, showcasing not only beauty and confidence but also intelligence and cultural pride.
Marie Trisha Angela Morabe of Tanauan, Leyte took home the Miss Pintados 2026 crown while Ynah Trei Piano Froilan of Catbalogan City was crowned Miss Teen Pintados 2026.
For Miss Pintados 2026, Princess Hope Mallari of Abuyog was named 1st runner-up, Krystal Sheene Martinez Barredo of Jaro placed 2nd runner-up, Linel Royo Martinez of Alangalang was 3rd runner-up, and Ylh Ruiz Abiabi Portillo of Hilongos finished as 4th runner-up.
One of the highlights of the evening was the appearance of television host Boy Abunda, the “King of Talk,” who served as interviewer during the question-and-answer portion of the competition.
The Pintados pageants remain among the region’s most prominent cultural competitions, celebrating local identity and supporting tourism promotion efforts in Eastern Visayas.
Miss Tacloban 2026
Meanwhile, Andrea Nucom was crowned Miss Tacloban 2026 during the coronation night held on June 21 at the Tacloban City Astrodome, where she bested 14 other candidates vying for the city’s most prestigious beauty title.
Jessica Deladia was named Miss Tacloban Eco-Tourism while Sabina May Ponay earned the title Miss Tacloban Charity.
Sophia Anne Jabien placed 1st runner-up, and Chloe Lianne Reciproco finished as 2nd runner-up.
The Miss Tacloban pageant is held annually as part of the city fiesta in honor of Señor Santo Niño. Winners serve as goodwill ambassadors, promoting Tacloban’s tourism, cultural heritage, and community programs throughout their reign.
The back-to-back coronations underscored the region’s continuing effort to blend cultural celebration with tourism promotion, highlighting the talent and diversity of young women across Eastern Visayas.
TACLOBAN CITY— Police have taken into custody two minors allegedly involved in the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School on Monday, June 22, as authorities continue their investigation into the incident that left three students dead and seven others injured.
The Police Regional Office-8 (PRO-8) confirmed that the two learners, both considered children in conflict with the law (CICL), were apprehended shortly after the shooting inside the public high school in Barangay San Jose, Tacloban City.
The incident, one of the deadliest school-related acts of violence recorded in Eastern Visayas, triggered panic among students, teachers, and parents and prompted local authorities to suspend classes while investigators processed the crime scene.
According to the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO), three students were killed while seven others sustained injuries and were immediately brought to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.
Police said responding personnel launched hot-pursuit and manhunt operations immediately after receiving reports of the shooting, leading to the swift location and custody of the two suspects.
In accordance with Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, as amended, authorities have withheld the identities of the minors.
The two are currently under police custody and are expected to be referred to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), with all procedures being carried out under child-sensitive protocols and legal safeguards.
Authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the attack and are continuing to gather evidence and statements from witnesses as part of an ongoing investigation.
Police Regional Director B/Gen. Jason Capoy said investigators are committed to conducting a thorough and impartial probe while ensuring that the rights of the minors involved are protected.
“Our personnel acted swiftly to place the CICL involved under custody while strictly observing the provisions of Republic Act No. 9344 and ensuring the protection of their rights and welfare,” Capoy said.
“We assure the families of the victims and the public that a thorough, impartial, and child-sensitive investigation is underway. PRO-8 remains committed to pursuing justice through the proper legal process and maintaining peace and order in our communities,” he added.
Capoy also commended the responding police personnel for their immediate action in securing the area, assisting victims, and locating the suspects shortly after the incident.
Meanwhile, PRO-8 said it continues to coordinate with school officials, local government units, and other concerned agencies to strengthen security measures, provide assistance to victims and their families, and help ensure the safety of students and school personnel.
The shooting has shocked residents of Tacloban City and sparked renewed discussions on school safety, mental health, and violence prevention programs in educational institutions across the region.
FORTHWITH. Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre speaks during a media conference in Palawan, where he urged the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing the need for a fair, orderly, and timely resolution of the case. (FILE PHOTO)
FORTHWITH. Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre speaks during a media conference in Palawan, where he urged the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing the need for a fair, orderly, and timely resolution of the case. (FILE PHOTO)
TACLOBAN CITY — With the Senate leadership now settled, Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre called for the immediate continuation of the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing that the proceedings must move forward without unnecessary delays and be conducted fairly and credibly.
Acidre made the statement during a media conference in Palawan following recent developments in the Senate, including the election of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President and the continuation of pre-trial preparations ahead of the scheduled July 6 proceedings.
According to Acidre, prolonged uncertainty surrounding the impeachment case would not serve the interests of the Filipino people, particularly on an issue that has significant implications for public trust in government and democratic institutions.
“Ngayon na mas naging stable na ang pamunuan ng ating Senado, umaasa tayo na makakausad na ang proseso ng impeachment. Hindi makakabuti sa taumbayan kung hahaba pa ito nang hindi kinakailangan. Kailangan tapusin na ang proseso,” Acidre said.
The lawmaker noted that recent pre-trial developments indicate that the process is already underway and should be allowed to continue in the proper constitutional forum.
“Mas lalong kailangang tiyakin na magtutuloy-tuloy ang proseso. The Filipino people deserve clarity, not confusion; resolution, not delay,” he said.
Acidre emphasized that differing opinions among Filipinos regarding the impeachment case are expected in a democracy but should not be used as a reason to delay or politicize the proceedings.
“What matters now is that the process is allowed to move forward in a manner that is fair, orderly, and credible,” he added.
Acidre further underscored that the impeachment proceedings should be guided by evidence, truth, and the rule of law rather than political pressure or public noise.
“Hindi ito dapat daanin sa ingay, pressure, o pulitika. Whatever the outcome may be, ang mahalaga ay makita ng taumbayan na ang magiging pasya ay nakabatay sa ebidensya, sa katotohanan, at sa isang patas at maayos na pagdinig,” he said.
The Tingog representative added that the issue goes beyond the political future of a single official and is ultimately about preserving public confidence in the country’s institutions.
“Hindi lang naman ito tungkol sa kung sino ang mananalo o matatalo. Ang mahalaga rito ay ang tiwala ng ating taumbayan: tiwala na gumagana ang ating mga batas, na kumikilos ang ating mga institusyon, at kaya nating harapin ang mga mabibigat na usapin ng pananagutan nang patas at makatarungan,” Acidre said.
