Lawmakers expressed profound grief and swift condemnation following a deadly shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte, which left multiple students dead and several others wounded.
The tragedy has reignited intense national discussions surrounding campus security and youth-driven violence.
Senate President Win Gatchalian labeled the shooting “alarming,” demanding swift justice and a comprehensive review of campus safety protocols.
He urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to deploy immediate psychosocial interventions for traumatized students and faculty while drastically tightening security at school entry points.
Echoing the call for secure learning environments, Senate Committee on Basic Education Chairperson Bam Aquino emphasized that educational institutions must never become zones of terror.
He noted that legislators are actively working on the proposed School Safety Act to shield students from external threats and bullying.
“Kailangan na ang ating mga eskwelahan ay manatiling mga lugar ng kaligtasan,” Aquino said.
Calls for Accountability and Policy Reviews
Because early reports indicate the suspects are minors, the incident has brought youth justice policies into sharp focus.
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan slammed the senseless violence and demanded the meticulous enforcement of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Law, noting that negligent parents should also face legal scrutiny.
“Walang lugar ang karahasan sa ating lipunan,” Pangilinan said.
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go extended his deep condolences to the bereaved families while demanding a thorough investigation into how deadly firearms managed to slip past school grounds.
“It is deeply troubling that our students are exposed to such unnecessary risks,” Go said, pushing for a rigorous review of how the justice system handles underage offenders.
Senator Camille Villar focused heavily on the emotional toll of the tragedy, highlighting the critical need for robust mental health infrastructure alongside physical security measures.
“No magulang ang dapat mawalan ng anak sa isang lugar na dapat ay ligtas,” Villar said.
Her brother, Senator Mark Villar, also strongly denounced the attack, calling the loss of young lives an unacceptable tragedy for any academic institution.
He joined his colleagues in advocating for immediate, long-term counseling services for the survivors and school staff.
Local law enforcement agencies are pushing forward with their investigation as senators use the tragedy to aggressively lobby for legislative reforms and stricter nationwide campus security.