Manila: Two people opened fire in a high school in the central Philippines on Monday, killing three students and wounding another five, police officials said.

Two suspects have been taken into custody, police said, one of whom is a student at San Jose National High School in Tacloban city, where the shooting happened, according to police. Both are male.

Police investigators were still trying to determine what sparked the shooting in the school, while police deployed forces to beef up security.

Philippine President ​Ferdinand Marcos Jr orders investigation

Philippine President ​Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered an investigation into the school shooting.

“The President is saddened by the incident,” his office said in a statement, adding that he had ⁠ordered a thorough investigation and directed authorities to ensure safety and security in all areas, offices and establishments, especially schools.

Tacloban police chief Noelito Getigan ​told reporters that the ‌suspects used a .38-caliber ​and 9mm firearm in the ⁠shooting.

One suspect, a minor and Grade 9 student, was arrested shortly after the incident, while the other later surrendered to authorities, Getigan ​said.

Police said ⁠the victims ⁠have been transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment, while additional personnel have been deployed at the school to ensure the safety of students, ⁠staff, parents and the surrounding community.

Authorities urged the public not to disseminate unverified information and to cooperate with investigators. The Department of Education expressed grave concern, calling the incident a “high alert situation”.

In a statement, it condemned the violence and extended ‌condolences to the victims’ families.