CABANATUAN CITY – A shooting incident involving two teenagers inside a classroom at the Santa Rosa Integrated School (SRIS) in Barangay Rizal here on Thursday is a reminder of the importance of stronger school safety measures, police said Friday.

Police Col. Heryl Bruno, Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO) chief, said the assault, which left both the victim and the suspect with bullet wounds, was an alarming incident that “reminds us of the importance of safeguarding our schools and taking a serious look at the emotional and psychological well-being of our youth.”

"We are working hand-in-hand with the school and the parents of the involved students to get to the bottom of this and to prevent similar incidents in the future,” Bruno said.

A 15-year-old female student, identified only as "Lea," is in critical condition after being shot in the neck by a male student, alias "Leo," inside their classroom during a class break.

The suspect, a resident of Barangay Santo Rosario, allegedly entered the victim’s classroom without provocation. Witnesses stated that he suddenly drew a .22-caliber revolver from his waist and shot the victim before turning the gun on himself.

Both were rushed to the nearest hospital for immediate medical treatment. Their current conditions remain undisclosed as of this writing.

The motive behind the incident is still being investigated, and police are also working to determine how the suspect obtained the firearm.

Leo reportedly died on Friday afternoon from a bullet wound in the head, a report ssid.

Bruno said investigators are coordinating closely with the school’s administration to aid in the investigation and to ensure the safety and well-being of other students. Crisis intervention services are also being offered.

Police across the province are now on full alert and have intensified their presence in all areas to ensure public safety, Bruno said. (PNA)