Six Grade 12 students in Lipa City, Batangas survived a shooting incident after a homeowner allegedly opened fire on them when they rang his doorbell as a prank. The suspect has since been arrested and is facing multiple charges.

LIPA CITY, Batangas — January 27, 2026 — What began as a harmless prank nearly turned deadly when six Grade 12 students, aged 17 to 19, were fired upon by a man in Barangay Marauoy, Lipa City. According to police reports, the teenagers were inside a car dropping off a classmate around 2:30 a.m. when one of them pressed the doorbell of a nearby house. The act reportedly enraged the homeowner, who came out armed with a caliber .45 pistol and opened fire at the vehicle.

Fortunately, none of the students were injured despite the gunfire. The driver immediately sped away from the scene, and the group later reported the incident to authorities. A follow-up operation by the Batangas Police Provincial Office led to the arrest of the suspect, whose identity has not yet been publicly disclosed. Police recovered the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting.

The suspect is now facing charges of attempted murder and violation of Republic Act 7610, which provides special protection against child abuse, exploitation, and discrimination. Authorities emphasized that the case is being treated with urgency given the involvement of minors.

In a statement, police said, “While waiting, one of the victims pressed the doorbell of the suspect’s residence, which may have triggered the suspect’s anger. Fearing for their safety, the driver immediately sped away from the scene.”

The incident has sparked concern among residents, with many calling for stricter measures against indiscriminate firing and reminding the public of the dangers of pranks that may provoke violent reactions. Local officials have urged parents to remind their children about responsible behavior while also condemning the suspect’s disproportionate response.

The Lipa City police assured the community that the investigation is ongoing and that justice will be pursued for the victims. The case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a seemingly trivial act can escalate into a life-threatening situation.