Mayor Romualdez Calls for Thorough Investigation Into San Jose School Shooting, Vows Justice for Victims

Posted on June 23, 2026 at 11:09 pm

Tacloban City – Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez on Monday called the shooting incident at San Jose National High School a painful reminder of the challenges facing schools and communities, urging everyone to allow investigators to do their work and avoid spreading unverified information.

Speaking during an interview on June 23, Romualdez said the tragedy should encourage teachers, parents, and local officials to pay closer attention to the welfare and safety of young people.

He stressed that authorities must rely on evidence rather than rumors as they work to determine what happened.

According to the mayor, witness statements gathered so far have been inconsistent, making it important for trained investigators to carefully examine all available evidence before drawing conclusions.

“We should not base our judgment on haka-haka,” Romualdez said, noting that a professional investigation is necessary to establish the facts surrounding the case.

He said investigators are looking into both the motive behind the shooting and the circumstances that led to it.

Romualdez also acknowledged concerns about gang-related activities involving some students. He said authorities have already identified individuals believed to be connected to previous incidents and are monitoring the situation closely.

Because of these concerns, the city government is looking at ways to strengthen security measures to help prevent similar incidents from happening again.

The mayor assured the victim’s family and the public that the city government will support efforts to hold those responsible accountable. However, he emphasized that justice must be pursued through proper legal channels and with the cooperation of all agencies involved in the investigation.

While authorities continue their work, Romualdez called on parents and teachers to support one another and remain engaged with the young people in their care.

He said the community’s focus should be on helping students feel safe while allowing investigators to establish the facts.

The mayor also appealed to members of the media and the public to be responsible when discussing the case, warning that speculation could complicate the investigation and cause unnecessary distress to those affected.

Instead, he urged everyone to wait for the findings of investigators and focus on verified information.

As the investigation continues, city officials say they remain committed to finding answers, supporting the affected families, and taking steps to improve safety in schools.

Photos by: Jazmin Bonifacio | Vanguard