PH Gov’t Reviews School Safety Policies After Tacloban Campus Shooting

Photo via Philippine News Agency

The Philippine government has begun reviewing school safety policies following the tragic shooting at San Jose National High School (S.J.N.H.S.) in Tacloban City that claimed the lives of three students and left at least 20 others injured.

The incident, considered one of the country’s deadliest school shootings in recent history, has prompted authorities to reassess existing campus security measures and explore ways to strengthen the protection of learners across the nation.

In the days following the attack, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and directed concerned agencies to review existing security protocols and recommend measures to help prevent similar tragedies in schools.

The Department of Education (DepEd), together with law enforcement agencies, local government units, and other concerned offices, has been coordinating efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of students and school personnel while supporting the ongoing investigation.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara assured the public that DepEd is working closely with relevant agencies to evaluate school security measures and identify areas for improvement. 

The department also emphasized that school safety extends beyond physical security and includes creating supportive learning environments for students.

Following the incident, DepEd mobilized psychosocial support services by providing counseling and psychological first aid to students, teachers, and families affected by the tragedy.

The department likewise reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening learner protection and promoting mental health awareness in schools.

Authorities also highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness, encouraging schools to review existing safety procedures and crisis response plans to ensure an organized response during emergencies.

The policy review follows the June 22 shooting inside S.J.N.H.S., where two students, aged 14 and 15, allegedly entered the school premises armed with firearms and opened fire on fellow learners.

Authorities reported that three students lost their lives while more than twenty others sustained injuries, including several who suffered gunshot wounds. 

Investigators believe bullying may have been one of the factors behind the attack, although they emphasized that the investigation into the motive remains ongoing.

One of the firearms used in the shooting was reportedly a police-issued service weapon, prompting a separate investigation into firearm accountability and storage practices.

Following the tragedy, classes were temporarily suspended in affected schools in Tacloban City to allow authorities to conduct investigations and provide psychological support to students, teachers, and families impacted by the incident.

DepEd assured the public that immediate assistance and continued support would be extended to the victims and their families as schools worked toward restoring a safe learning environment.

Government officials acknowledged that while school shootings remain rare in the Philippines because of relatively strict firearm regulations, the Tacloban incident exposed vulnerabilities that warrant closer examination. 

These include campus access controls, firearm accountability, bullying prevention, learner welfare, and mental health support.

The Department of Justice (D.O.J.), the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (C.I.C.C.), and other agencies have also begun examining reports that one of the suspects may have been exposed to violent online content. 

Authorities stressed, however, that investigations are still underway and that no single factor has been identified as the sole cause of the attack.

The tragedy has likewise reignited discussions among lawmakers regarding child protection policies, juvenile justice, firearm responsibility, and school security legislation. 

Some legislators have called for stricter accountability over government-issued firearms, while others have advocated stronger anti-bullying initiatives, expanded mental health services, and additional support for campus security.

Education leaders have maintained that any policy response must prioritize both learner protection and the welfare of children involved in the justice system.

As investigations continue, government officials reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that schools remain safe spaces where learners can study without fear. 

Authorities said the ongoing review of school safety policies aims to strengthen learner protection, improve emergency preparedness, and restore public confidence in the country’s educational institutions.