The Department of Education (DepEd) has strongly denounced a fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, which resulted in the deaths of three students and left more than ten others wounded.
In an official statement released on Monday, the agency expressed its grief and outlined its immediate response to the tragedy:
“We strongly condemn this act of violence and extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as our earnest prayers for the swift recovery of those who were injured,” the DepEd said in a statement.
“The Department considers this a high-alert situation. Our Central Office officials, alongside regional and division office personnel, are actively on the ground, coordinating closely with school authorities and law enforcement to secure the premises and ensure safety, security, and protection,” it added.
DepEd reaffirmed that the safety and protection of students and staff remain its top priority. To help the school community cope with the immediate trauma, the department is partnering with other government sectors to provide medical aid and mental health support.
“To address the immediate emotional toll of this tragedy, the Department is working hand-in-hand with relevant government agencies to deploy critical medical assistance and appropriate psychosocial interventions for the affected learners and personnel,” DepEd said.
“We remain committed to ensuring that our schools are secure, supportive environments for all.”
The education department also urged the public to protect the privacy of the affected minors while a thorough, collaborative investigation with law enforcement is underway.
Expressing his grief, Leyte 1st District Representative and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez also issued a statement offering support to the victims’ families and the entire campus community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, the injured students, their classmates, teachers and the entire school community as they face this unimaginable tragedy,” Romualdez said.
“A school should always be a place of learning, safety and hope. No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child in a place where they are supposed to be protected,” he added.
Romualdez called on the police to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice, while promising that his office is working closely with state agencies to deliver immediate relief to the affected families.