Call for safer schools, thorough probe: Reactions after deadly Tacloban school shooting

MANILA, Philippines – Groups and some lawmakers called for safer schools as well as a comprehensive investigation into the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City that killed three students on Monday, June 22.

Police personnel have arrested two suspects – both male minors and students of the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.

At least 11 students were injured as gunfire erupted inside school premises. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was saddened by the shooting and has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, Malacañang said.

Several groups and lawmakers also called for a comprehensive probe, extended condolences to the victims’ families, and stood in solidarity with the grieving community. They pushed for making schools safer. 

Here are some of their reactions:

Save the Children Philippines

The Save the Children Philippines said it grieves for the victims and their kin, and urged that the affected children, families, and school staff must be offered full support, including mental health support.

“No child should feel unsafe at school or be the victim of violence. Weapons do not belong in schools which should be safe spaces for children to learn, be with their friends and play. Schools must be places where parents, caregivers and guardians can send children knowing that they will return home safely,” said Melanie Llana, child protection child rights and governance lead of Save the Children Philippines.

Alliance of Concerned Teachers

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) cautioned against “knee-jerk responses that focus solely on punishment, increased policing, or the militarization of schools.”

“Genuine solutions require building a culture of peace, justice, accountability, and democratic participation through education. This means strengthening guidance and counseling services, ensuring adequate psychosocial support, reducing overcrowding, protecting democratic spaces for discussion and expression, and nurturing among learners the values of compassion, critical thinking, and collective responsibility,” ACT chairperson Ruby Bernardo said.

Akbayan Party

The Akbayan Party said no parent should lose a child to school violence.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant in demanding justice while resisting calls for draconian responses that may deepen fear and insecurity rather than address the roots of the problem. True public safety requires effective prevention, support systems, and accountable institutions,” the group said.

Senator Win Gatchalian

Senate President Win Gatchalian urged the Department of Education to provide psychosocial support and other interventions to students and teachers, and tighten the security of schools.

“Dapat nagsisilbing ligtas na espasyo ang ating mga paaralan, kaya kailangan ang agarang pagkilos upang mapanagot ang mga sangkot at makamit ang hustisya,” he said.

(Schools must be safe spaces, that’s why we need immediate action to hold accountable those involved in the shooting to achieve justice.)

Representative Leila de Lima

ML Party-list Representative Leila De Lima said government agencies and local government units must coordinate in establishing more effective mechanisms to prevent similar incidents from happening.

“Pangunahin sa mga hakbang na ito ang mahigpit na seguridad sa mga paaralan at mga establisyamento, istriktong regulasyon sa pagmamay-ari ng baril at pagtugis sa mga ilegal na bentahan ng armas, gayundin ang maigting na pagbabantay at gabay ng mga magulang sa mga anak,” said De Lima, a senior deputy minority leader.

(Among the main measures include tight security in schools and establishments, strict regulations on gun ownership and the pursuit of illegal arms sales, and strict supervision and guidance by parents to their children.)

Representative Martin Romualdez

Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez said he has directed his office to coordinate with authorities and government agencies to determine what aid can be provided to affected families. Tacloban City is part of Leyte’s first legislative district.

“At the same time, I call on law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough and swift investigation so that all those responsible are held fully accountable under the law,” Romualdez said.

“As we mourn, we must also reflect on what more can be done to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. We owe it to our children, our teachers, and every Filipino family to make our schools places where young people can learn without fear,” he added. – Rappler.com