A SHOOTING incident at a school in Barangay Rizal, Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija on Wednesday morning left a 15-year-old female student in critical condition.
According to PRO3, the suspect entered the classroom without provocation and shot the victim in the neck.
Witnesses stated that the suspect, armed with a .22 caliber firearm, shot the girl before attempting to turn the gun on himself. Both were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment; however, their current conditions remain critical.
PRO3 is investigating the motive behind the shooting and how the suspect obtained the firearm.
The agency is also coordinating with school administrators to aid in the investigation and ensure the safety and well-being of students. Crisis intervention services are being offered to those affected.
PRO3 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Ponce Peñones Jr. condemned the incident, highlighting the need to prioritize the emotional and psychological well-being of young people and to enhance school safety measures.
He emphasized that PRO3 is collaborating with the school and the families of the students to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The shooting serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address issues of violence and mental health among youth.
