STA. ROSA, Nueva Ecija — The quiet halls of Sta. Rosa Integrated School remain empty and somber, as the school stays under lockdown following a tragic shooting that has left two teenagers fighting for their lives and a community grappling with grief and fear.

The incident unfolded on Thursday morning, at around 10:45 a.m. in Barangay Rizal.

An 18-year-old student known as “Leo,” hailing from nearby Barangay Santo Rosario, abruptly entered a classroom and fired a .22 caliber pistol, hitting his 15-year-old girlfriend in the neck. Moments later, in a devastating turn, he turned the gun on himself, shooting himself in the head.

Authorities say the couple had recently ended their relationship, but the exact motivations behind the violent act remain under investigation. Police continue to piece together what led to this sudden and heart-breaking tragedy.

Both teens were rushed to Nueva Ecija Doctors Hospital, where they remain in critical condition. “They’re still fighting for their lives,” confirmed Maj. Willard Dulnuan of the Sta. Rosa Police. Due to the gravity of the situation, the school declared a temporary suspension of classes to allow authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and to provide much-needed support for students and staff.

The atmosphere within the school community is heavy with shock and anxiety. “Many students and teachers are still in disbelief,” Maj. Dulnuan said.

Psychosocial support teams have been deployed to help those traumatized by the incident, especially the families directly affected.

The Department of Education (DepEd), through its Schools Division Office of Nueva Ecija, has strongly condemned the shooting. In a statement, DepEd emphasized that “our schools must be sanctuaries of safety and learning,” and called the incident “unacceptable.” The agency is working closely with local officials and law enforcement to ensure a swift and thorough investigation while providing emotional and psychological assistance to students, teachers, and families.

“The incident is a stark reminder of the importance of safety in our schools,” said DepEd. The Schools Division Office has activated its emergency response team, offering counseling and critical incident stress debriefing sessions to help the community begin healing.

Meanwhile, the Nueva Ecija Provincial Forensic Unit is analyzing the firearm used in the attack, while police authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.

The school administration is coordinating efforts to restore a sense of normalcy, focusing on both security measures and emotional support as students and staff navigate the trauma.

As this tight-knit community mourns and hopes for recovery, DepEd has called on parents, local government units, and the wider community to work together in fostering a culture of peace, vigilance, and safety. “We urge everyone to remain calm and united, ensuring that our schools continue to be zones of peace,” DepEd said.

For now, the people of Sta. Rosa — students, teachers, parents, and neighbors alike — are left to process a tragic day that has forever changed their school, while holding onto hope for healing and justice.