CWC urges stronger school safety after Cavite, Tacloban incidents

MANILA, Philippines — The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) has called for the urgent strengthening of school safety systems nationwide following a series of school violence in Cavite and Tacloban City.

“These incidents have resulted in injuries, the loss of young lives, and deep emotional distress among learners, families, school communities, and the public,” the CWC said in a statement on Monday.

Reports from Tacloban City indicate a fatal school shooting on Monday that left at least three students dead and several others injured.

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Two alleged perpetrators, both minors, are currently in custody.

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The incident comes after two stabbing cases in Cavite.

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

READ: Wounded students in deadly Tacloban school shooting climb to 13

On June 16, a Grade 8 student allegedly attacked several Grade 5 students inside a private school in General Trias City.

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Days later, another stabbing occurred at Cavite National High School, where a Grade 11 student allegedly hurt a fellow student following a confrontation.

“The occurrence of these violent incidents within educational settings serves as a serious reminder that protecting children requires constant vigilance and a sustained, whole-of-government and whole-of-society response,” the CWC said.

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The council stressed the urgency of strengthening school-based child protection systems, mental health and psychosocial support services, violence prevention programs, and early intervention mechanisms.

It called for adequate guidance services and stronger referral systems to identify risks and prevent the escalation of harmful behavior.

It also stressed that the rights and welfare of the alleged perpetrators, identified as Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), must be upheld under Republic Act No. 9344, as amended by RA 10630.

The law provides for their protection and rehabilitation rather than criminal treatment.

“As the government’s lead coordinating and monitoring body on children’s concerns, the CWC remains steadfast in advancing policies and programs that uphold children’s rights and strengthen child protection systems nationwide,” it said.

The public is encouraged to report abuse, violence, neglect, or exploitation through Makabata Helpline 1383.

“The recent tragedies demand not only our sympathy but our collective action,” the CWC said.

For its part, Save the Children Philippines cited a report by Seasia Statis saying the Philippines records one of the highest gun ownership rates in Southeast Asia.

“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,” said Melanie Llana of Save the Children Philippines.

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“Schools must be places where parents, caregivers, and guardians can send children knowing that they will return home safely,” she added. /mcm