SANTA ROSA, NUEVA ECIJA — A 15-year-old Grade 8 student of Sta. Rosa Integrated School was critically injured after being shot in the neck by a former classmate in a harrowing incident that unfolded inside a classroom on the morning of Thursday, August 7, 2025. The suspect, who later turned the gun on himself, is also in critical condition.
According to a spot report by the Santa Rosa Municipal Police Station, the suspect was identified as Menard Canoza y Sagana, 18, a former Grade 10 student who had dropped out of the same school. At around 10:45 AM, he reportedly entered the victim’s classroom and, without warning, pulled a firearm from his waist and shot her at close range. He then immediately shot himself using the same weapon.
The victim, identified only as “Lea,” is a resident of Barangay La Fuente, while the suspect resides in Barangay Soledad, both in Santa Rosa town.
Authorities were alerted by a concerned citizen who placed a phone call to the police at around 11:00 AM. Officers from the Santa Rosa MPS quickly responded and conducted an initial investigation, while members of the Nueva Ecija Provincial Forensic Unit (SOCO) were dispatched to process the crime scene.
Both the victim and the suspect were rushed to the Nueva Ecija Doctor’s Hospital in Cabanatuan City. As of the latest medical update, both remain in critical condition.
The motive behind the attack has yet to be determined, and investigators continue to look into how the suspect was able to gain access to the school premises with a firearm.
DepEd Condemns the Incident, Mobilizes Support
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office (SDO) of Nueva Ecija issued an official statement strongly condemning the act of violence and expressing deep concern over the safety of students and personnel.
“Schools must always remain a safe and secure place for learners, teachers, and personnel. Any act of violence within or near school grounds is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” the DepEd said.
The SDO has since coordinated with local law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and that those responsible are held accountable.
In addition, the DepEd has begun implementing urgent response measures, including:
Providing psychosocial support and stress debriefing for affected students and staff;
Strengthening security protocols in and around the school;
Restoring normalcy and ensuring that learning continues in a safe environment.
The education department also called for unity and vigilance from all stakeholders—including parents, local government units, and the broader community—to reinforce a culture of peace and safety in schools.
“We call for calm, unity, and cooperation during this difficult time. Let us work together to ensure that schools remain zones of peace,” the DepEd statement concluded.
The incident has sparked widespread concern across the province and beyond, as education and security officials work closely to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
About the Author
