Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima has strongly condemned a horrific school shooting in Tacloban City that resulted in the deaths of at least three minors.
The former senator and justice secretary urged the public to refrain from weaponizing the tragedy through the dissemination of false information.
“Nananawagan tayo sa agaran at komprehensibong imbestigasyon sa nakapanlulumo at nakababahalang insidenteng ito. Walang puwang ang ganitong karahasan sa lipunan, lalo na sa ating mga paaralan na una dapat sa prayoridad ang kaligtasan ng mga mag-aaral,” she said.
De Lima emphasized that the public discourse regarding the tragedy must remain rooted in accountability and verified facts.
“Let us also refrain from spreading disinformation and false narratives. Our response should be based on facts, accountability and safeguarding the rights and welfare of our children,” she said.
Beyond the investigation, the lawmaker stressed the urgent need for mental health interventions, advocating for immediate counseling and psychological support for the survivors, grieving families, and school faculty.
“We must also provide immediate psychological support and counseling to students, teachers, and other affected individuals,” she said.
To prevent future campus violence, De Lima called for a synchronized strategy involving the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and local government units.
She noted that these preventative efforts must involve tighter campus security, stricter firearm regulations, a crackdown on black-market weapons, and active parental guidance.
“Lubos po tayong nakikiramay sa mga pamilya ng mga nasawing estudyante, at ipinagdarasal natin ang agarang paggaling ng mga nasugatan,” De Lima added.