BANGA, South Cotabato — Vice President Sara Duterte called on academic institutions to establish a “culture of security” where students can safely share their struggles with educators and guidance staff rather than seeking out online spaces that may expose them to harmful material.
The Vice President made the appeal following a tragedy at Banga National High School, where a 16-year-old Grade 9 student fatally shot two classmates and injured several others before ending his own life.
“Nakikita natin na kapag yung bata wala siyang safe space kung saan pwede niya sabihin kung ano yung nararamdaman niya at naiisip niya, pumupunta siya sa iba’t ibang lugar na nakikinig kuno sa kanya tulad ng social media, tulad ng mga iba’t ibang grupo na makikita natin sa internet,” Duterte told reporters.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously noted that data retrieved from the suspect’s mobile phone indicated he was coping with depression and visiting the “deep dark web,” which law enforcement is currently evaluating as part of the broader probe.
Duterte emphasized that administrators must look into every potential safety concern, regardless of its initial credibility.
“Ang pinakamabisa talaga dyan ay yung pag-gather ba ng information ng ating mga school authorities na kahit gaano kaliit na bagay na impormasyon ‘yung natanggap nila sa paniwala nila totoo man o hindi, kailangan i-process at gawan ng imbestigasyon at sa school level,” she stated.
Banga Mayor Albert Palencia disclosed that investigators uncovered evidence showing the student had mentioned intentions of an attack as early as August and issued warnings to peers prior to the incident.
Reflecting on her tenure as former education secretary, Duterte agreed that enhanced physical security measures are important, but urged administrators to focus on identifying red flags early and offering accessible support systems.
“Yung physical inspection, pwede yun. Pero ang pinakamahalaga talaga is bago mangyari yan, nahuhuli… (at) nakakita siya ng school authority at yung bata na magulo yung isip niya, meron siyang alam na tao na pwede niyang puntahan at pwede niyang kausapin bago pa man niya gawin kung ano man ang naiisip niya,” she explained.
During her visit to the area, Duterte met with the family of one of the deceased victims to offer emotional support and assistance.
The Vice President’s public appearance comes amid ongoing legal challenges, including a grave threats case involving statements made in 2024 against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, which also forms part of the Articles of Impeachment filed against her.