MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public that the administration is utilizing all available resources to combat campus violence, emphasizing that tackling the multifaceted crisis requires a comprehensive, multi-layered approach.
Speaking on the administration’s ongoing initiatives, President Marcos addressed queries regarding a congressional bill aimed at restricting minors’ access to high-risk digital platforms where youth are frequently groomed for violent behavior.
He acknowledged the severity of the issue and noted that authorities are thoroughly investigating the underlying causes of what he described as a complex generational challenge.
According to the Chief Executive, the issue extends beyond standard law enforcement or educational reforms, pointing to deep psychological roots that make addressing campus attacks uniquely difficult.
“And so it’s a terrible thing. It’s a terrible thing. And we’re doing everything that we can,” Marcos said.
To mitigate security risks, the President suggested that measures such as installing metal detectors in schools and fostering greater attentiveness from educators and parents could serve as practical deterrents.
“So, all of these things. There’s no silver bullet to this. You have to bring many, many things together,” Marcos stated.
Furthermore, the administration is evaluating the feasibility of a nationwide blanket ban on certain digital services for minors, drawing insights from international precedents.
”The blanket ban, that’s also something that still we’re studying really hard. Because there are several countries around the world that have already instituted that blanket ban. Sixteen and below mayroon, 16 and below. Tinitingnan namin kung tama ba, baka bagay din sa atin ‘yun,” Marcos explained.
The urgency for action follows a series of tragic shooting incidents on school campuses across the country over recent months, including incidents in South Cotabato, Zamboanga City, and Leyte.