Sta. Rosa school remains on lockdown after shooting wounds teen couple

Sta. Rosa Integrated School remains under lockdown following yesterday’s shooting that critically wounded a teenage couple, causing significant trauma to the school community.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) condemned the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring schools are safe havens.

“Our schools must be sanctuaries of safety and learning. This incident is unacceptable,” DepEd said in a report.

As of the latest update, Maj. Willard Dulnuan of the Sta. Rosa Police said the teen couple are still fighting for their lives at Nueva Ecija Doctors Hospital.

"Walang pasok ngayon dahil dineklara ng eskwelahan upang maisayos din ang imbestigasyon sa insidente. Nag-aagaw buhay pa rin yung dalawang teenager base sa impormasyon mula sa ospital," Dulnuan said in an exclusive interview.

Based on observations, he said the school community is experiencing anxiety, although psychosocial support is being provided, especially to the affected families.

"Karamihan na-sha-shock pa rin sa pangyayari."

Yesterday, at approximately 10:45 a.m. in Barangay Rizal, 18-year-old, known as alias "Leo" from Barangay Santo Rosario, suddenly entered a classroom and shot his 15-year-old girlfriend in the neck using a .22-caliber pistol. He then shot himself in the head.

Initial investigation found that the two were a couple and had just ended their relationship. The investigation is ongoing.

The Nueva Ecija Provincial Forensic Unit is also analyzing the gun used.