Gatchalian outraged by shooting in Tacloban school: Unacceptable

MANILA, Philippines — Alarmed and outraged by the shooting at a school in Tacloban City, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday called on authorities to tighten security measures in all campuses.

“I am deeply alarmed and outraged by the school shooting incident this morning at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, which claimed the lives of three learners and wounded five others,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

“It is unacceptable for this kind of violence to occur in schools, which are supposed to serve as safe spaces,” he added.

Article continues after this advertisement

Three people were reported killed, while five others were injured, when two Grade 9 students opened fire at San Jose National High School around 9:00 a.m. on Monday.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

READ: 3 dead, 5 wounded in shooting inside school in Tacloban City

The suspects, aged 14 and 15, have already been arrested, according to authorities.

Just last week, Gatchalian noted that  seven students were also injured in separate stabbing incidents in school premises in Cavite.

READ: DepEd, PNP alarmed by 2 school stabbing incidents in Cavite

Article continues after this advertisement

“These successive incidents of violence in schools are deeply alarming and call for immediate and coordinated action,” he said in Filipino.

“I am calling on the Department of Education to provide immediate psychosocial support and intervention for affected learners, teachers, and school personnel, and to further strengthen security measures across all campuses,” he added.

Article continues after this advertisement

Meanwhile, Sen. Robin Padilla took to social media to press for the passage of his proposal seeking to amend the Juvenile Justice Act.

Padilla has filed Senate Bill No. 372 aimed at lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 10 years old.

“Is there any chance that my proposal to amend the Juvenile Justice Act could be included in a special session?” he said in Filipino.

“This has been happening one after another. There have been hold-ups. There have been rapes. Now, a shooting at a school… What are our fellow senators waiting for?” he added.

While grateful for the passage of a measure declaring Waling-waling as the national orchid, during a special session on June 17,  Padilla also expressed hope his colleagues would also act promptly on his bill.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

“In shaa Allah, the response to my proposal will be just as swift for the safety of the youth and the public,” he said in Filipino. /mcm