The groups say making schools safer doesn’t just mean beefing up security measures
MANILA, Philippines – Groups and some lawmakers called for safe schools and a thorough investigation into school shooting in Tacloban City which killed three students on Monday, June 22.
Police officers have arrested two suspects – boys and students of the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.
At least 11 students were injured as gunshots erupted inside the school premises.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was saddened by the shooting and has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, Malacañang said.
Several groups and lawmakers also called for a thorough investigation, offered condolences to the families of the victims, and stood in solidarity with the grieving community. They pushed to make schools safer.
Here are some of their responses:
Save the Children Philippines
Save the Children Philippines said it grieves for the victims and their families, and urged that the affected children, families, and school staff must be given full support, including mental health support.
“No child should feel unsafe at school or be a victim of violence. Weapons do not belong in schools which should be safe places for children to learn, be with their friends and play. School must be a place where parents, guardians and guardians can send children knowing that they will return home safe,” said Melanie Llana, children’s rights and governance leader of Save the Children Philippines.
Union of Related Teachers
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) warned against “knee-jerk responses that focus only on punishment, increased policing, or militarization of schools.”
“Real solutions need to build a culture of peace, justice, responsibility, and democratic participation through education. This means strengthening guidance and counseling services, ensuring adequate psychological support, reducing congestion, protecting democratic spaces for discussion and expression, and promoting among students the values of compassion, critical thinking, and collective responsibility,” Bernard ACT said.
Akbayan Party
The Akbayan party said no parent should lose a child due to school violence.
“We ask the public to remain vigilant in demanding justice while resisting calls for draconian responses that can exacerbate fear and insecurity rather than address the root of the problem. True public safety requires effective prevention, support systems, and accountable institutions,” the group said.
Senator Win Gatchalian
Senate President Win Gatchalian urged the Department of Education to provide psychological support and other interventions to students and teachers, and strengthen school security.
“Our schools should be used as safe places, therefore urgent action is needed to hold those responsible accountable and to achieve justice,” he said.
(Schools must be safe places, which is why we need immediate action to hold those involved in shootings accountable for justice.)
Representative Leila de Lima
ML Party List Representative Leila De Lima said government agencies and local government units must coordinate in establishing the best methods to prevent such incidents from happening.
“Chief among these measures are strict security in schools and institutions, strict control of gun ownership and the movement of illegal arms sales, as well as close supervision and guidance of parents over children.,” said De Lima, deputy minority leader.
(Among the main measures are tight security in schools and institutions, strict regulations on gun ownership and monitoring of illegal arms sales, and strict supervision and guidance of parents for their children.)
Representative Martin Romualdez
Leyte District 1 Representative Martin Romualdez said he has directed his office to coordinate with authorities and government agencies to determine what assistance can be provided to the affected families. Tacloban City is part of the first legislative district of Leyte.
“At the same time, I call on law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation so that all those involved are held fully accountable under the law,” Romualdez said.
“As we mourn, we must also reflect on what more can be done to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. We owe it to our children, our teachers, and every Filipino family to make our schools a place where young people can learn without fear,” he added. – Rappler.com
