Tacloban Starts Tightening School Security After San Jose Campus Shooting

Posted on June 27, 2026 at 4:29 am

TACLOBAN CITY — Days after the shooting at San Jose National High School that killed three people and wounded 13 others, Tacloban City has begun strengthening security measures, starting with the campus where the tragedy happened.

The Department of Education (DepEd) Tacloban City Division said the changes introduced at San Jose National High School will eventually be implemented in all 60 public schools in the city. For now, the priority is making sure students can safely return when face-to-face classes resume on July 6.

DepEd Tacloban Schools Division Information Officer Nilo Eder said the city government, the Philippine National Police (PNP), barangay officials, and school administrators are coordinating to improve security inside school campuses.

“We would like to provide 100 percent security for all the schools with the help, of course, of the local government of Tacloban and the different government agencies,” Eder said.

Stronger Fences

One of the first concerns raised after the shooting was the condition of school fences.

Eder said several public schools, including San Jose National High School, still have low or temporary fences made of galvanized iron sheets. These make it easier for students to leave campus unnoticed and for outsiders to enter school grounds.

The city government has begun replacing these with permanent perimeter fences, starting at San Jose National High School and later expanding the project to other public schools.

More Security Measures

The school will also receive additional security equipment.

CCTV cameras will be installed in key areas of the campus, while panic buttons linked directly to the nearest police station will allow school officials to quickly call for help during emergencies.

School heads have also been instructed to use available funds to buy metal detectors to prevent firearms and bladed weapons from being brought inside school premises.

According to Eder, the same measures will eventually be introduced in other public schools across the city.

Stricter Inspections

Security checks at school entrances will also become stricter.

Students, parents, visitors, and even school personnel will undergo mandatory bag inspections before entering school grounds.

Mayor Alfredo Romualdez has also ordered the deployment of two police officers, one male and one female, to every school gate to assist security guards.

“We are implementing a very strict policy sa security sa pagpasok ng kung sino sa mga paaralan,” Eder said.

He admitted that the tighter inspections have caused long lines at school entrances, but said the delays are necessary.

“We cannot afford to have another incident like that, kaya we are leaving no chance na mangyari ulit o makapasok yung may baril o kahit kutsilyo,” he said.

Since not all schools have enough security personnel, DepEd is also coordinating with barangay officials to help monitor campuses, while the PNP will conduct regular mobile patrols.

Aside from improving security, the city government has ordered the repainting of classrooms and school buildings at San Jose National High School before students return.

Eder said the goal is to make the campus look different from what students remember after the shooting.

“Ita-transform natin ang school,” he said. “So that is repainting of all the classrooms and other structures, para pagtingin nila hindi na nila mare-recall that this was the San Jose National High School.”

DepEd also plans to provide psychosocial support when face-to-face classes resume. Guidance counselors will be available during the first week, while local artists will hold performances and activities to help students adjust to being back in school.

Clarifying the Casualty Count

Eder also clarified reports claiming that four people died in the shooting.

“Yung binabalita ng ibang news agency na apat ang casualties natin. Mali po yun,” he said.

“Yung casualties natin ay tatlo, hindi apat.”

He added that two of the 13 people who sustained gunshot wounds have already been discharged from the hospital. Those who remain in intensive care are now in stable condition.

Classes Resume July 6

Face-to-face classes at San Jose National High School will remain suspended until July 6 while repairs and security improvements continue. Students will shift to modular learning beginning July 1, after the city’s local fiesta.

For now, San Jose National High School remains the city’s top priority. Once improvements are completed, the same security measures will be rolled out to Tacloban City’s remaining public schools as officials work toward ensuring every campus is a safer place for students, teachers, and school personnel. — with reports from Jazmin Bonifacio)

PHOTO: Officials from the DepEd Tacloban City Division and the Tacloban City Government conduct an ocular inspection at San Jose National High School as they assess areas where a permanent perimeter fence and other security measures will be installed. (Photo courtesy: Tacloban DepEd City Division)