E. Visayas schools tighten security after Tacloban campus shooting

TACLOBAN CITY — Schools across Eastern Visayas are implementing stricter security measures following the shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that left three students dead and at least 13 others wounded on Monday.

Among the institutions that announced enhanced security protocols are Liceo del Verbo Divino Tacloban, Marasbaras National High School, Leyte Progressive High School, and Leyte Normal University, all in Tacloban City;Palo National High School and Saint Paul School of Professional Studies,both in Palo, Leyte.

The management of these schools cited the need to protect students, teachers, staff, and visitors in the aftermath of the tragedy.

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As part of the measure, Liceo del Verbo Divino and the Marasbaras National High School said  they will conduct inspections of bags and personal belongings before entry into the campus beginning June 23.

The schools  also prohibited toy guns, sharp objects, and other items that could pose safety threats.

Parents, guardians, and visitors will be required to sign a logbook and present valid identification before being issued visitor’s passes.

Leyte Progressive High School, meanwhile, assured parents that classes and school activities would continue under close supervision but announced routine bag inspections at school entrances and stricter monitoring of campus entry points.

School administrators also urged parents to check their children’s belongings and closely monitor their emotional well-being.

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Leyte Normal University likewise announced that all students, employees, visitors, concessionaires, and guests entering the campus would be subjected to bag inspections and security checks.

The university also reminded students and personnel to wear their identification cards at all times while inside the campus.

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The heightened security measures come as authorities continue to investigate Monday’s shooting at San Jose National High School, the  deadliest school-related incidents in Eastern Visayas,if not in the entire country.

Police said three students were killed and 13 others were wounded in the attack.

Two minor suspects are now under police custody while investigators continue to establish the motive behind the shooting.

The incident has prompted widespread concern among parents, educators, and local officials, leading schools and local governments across the region to reassess campus security measures.

Reports indicate that local government units across the region like in Calbayog City, Samar, and Naval, Biliran have also moved to strengthen security around schools and public areas, while several private schools in Borongan City, Eastern Samar and other parts of the province have adopted stricter entry and inspection protocols.

Earlier, the Department of Education’s Schools Division of Tacloban City suspended classes in all 64 public elementary and secondary schools in the city to allow learners and personnel to recover from the incident and to ensure their safety.

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School officials said the enhanced security measures are intended to prevent similar incidents and restore a sense of safety among students and their families before classes resume. /gsg