Officials review CCTV footage at  San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Philippines. SONNY ANGARA

The UAE has strongly condemned the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City that left three students dead and more than a dozen others injured, as Philippine authorities widened their investigation into how the teenage suspects obtained the firearms used in the attack. In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its condolences to the victims and reiterated its rejection of violence and extremism. “The Ministry reiterated the UAE's strong condemnation of such criminal acts and its firm rejection of all forms of violence and extremism aimed at undermining security and stability,” according to MoFA. The ministry also extended its condolences to the victims' families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

Police investigate source of firearm

The shooting occurred on Monday (June 22) at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte. Police said three students were killed while 13 others were injured when two Grade 9 students allegedly opened fire inside the school. Authorities have taken both suspects into custody. Investigators have since traced one of the firearms, a 9mm Glock pistol, to a policewoman assigned to Police Regional Office 8 who is also the aunt of one of the suspects. Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Colonel Allen Rae Co said the officer could face both administrative and criminal charges. "Yes, she could face imprisonment. Administratively, she could very possibly be dismissed from the service because of negligence and improper custody of her firearm, and she may also face criminal liability," Co said in Filipino. He added that investigators are examining how the teenager gained access to the weapon. Police are also investigating reports that the two suspects may have been victims of bullying. One suspect is 15 years old while the other is 14. Authorities said the claim remains unverified and interviews are continuing with assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, teachers and school officials. The PNP also revealed that one of the suspects may have been heavily influenced by violent online content. "We can only say that our initial investigation shows that the child in conflict with the law known as Alias Nash was heavily influenced by online content," Co said. Police said they are reviewing the suspect's social media activity and online groups as part of the investigation.

Classes suspended across Tacloban

Following the shooting, the Department of Education suspended classes on Tuesday (June 23) in all 64 public elementary and secondary schools under the Tacloban City Schools Division. Schools Division Superintendent Sherlita Palma said the move was necessary due to widespread anxiety among students and school personnel. "The safety and well-being of learners and personnel are our utmost priority," Palma said in a memorandum. Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara travelled to Tacloban following the attack as education officials and local authorities reviewed security measures. Authorities have placed the city on heightened alert and implemented additional security measures, including stricter enforcement of curfew regulations for minors and increased police patrols in key public areas. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr earlier ordered a thorough investigation into the shooting and directed authorities to strengthen security in schools and other public institutions. The rare incident is considered one of the deadliest school-related attacks in the Philippines and has renewed discussions about school security, youth mental health and access to firearms. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page