Three students have been killed and at least seven injured after two of their peers opened fire in a high school in the Philippines, police said. A spokesperson for the police said the two suspects, aged 14 and 15, had been arrested and a police pistol confiscated. Bullying is a possible motive.

The attack took place inside San Jose National High School in Tacloban City southeast of the capital Manilla at around 09:00 local time (01:00GMT) on Monday.

Police said the suspects used a Glock pistol and a revolver, adding that 40 empty shells were recovered from the crime scene.

Allen Rae Co, the Philippine National Police Spokesperson, said one of the weapons, a pistol, was issued to a police officer. The individual was now in police custody and under investigation, he said.

Co added school bullying was a possible motive, with initial interviews with the suspects indicating that the two were allegedly bullied since they were in seventh grade.

"Initially, the motive of the crime is a grudge related to school bullying," Co told reporters.

The revolver is registered to a security agency based in Cebu City in central Philippines, Co added. Both suspects have been turned over to social welfare authorities. 

The shooting occurred just weeks after schools in the Philippines reopened following a months-long break.

Police added that they were continuing inquiries into the circumstances behind the incident and had deployed additional officers at the school to ensure the safety of students, staff and parents.

The victims are being treated in nearby hospitals. Classes have been suspended at all schools in the area, according to Philippines media. 

The country's President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, expresed sadness over the incident, and ordered authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.

The incident is unusual in the Philippines, where school shootings are rare. The country has strict gun ownership regulations, including background checks and psychological evaluation requirements. 

In July 2022, a gunman opened fire at an Ateneo de Manila University law school graduation ceremony in Quezon City, killing three people, including a former city mayor. 

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