Dy: Tacloban shooting highlights need to strengthen youth support

MANILA, Philippines — The shooting incident in a Tacloban City public high school highlights the need for stronger mechanisms regarding support to youth and protection of schools, House of Representatives Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said on Tuesday.

In a statement, Dy said the House supports a thorough and impartial investigation on the shooting incident, to prevent similar incidents.

Three students died after two minors — who are also students — opened fire inside the campus of the San Jose National High School in Tacloban.

Article continues after this advertisement

Latest reports said that 20 individuals were wounded.

“The House supports efforts to establish the facts, ensure accountability under the law, and determine what measures may be necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future,” Dy said.

“It is not enough to just know who are at fault.  We need to examine what are the signs that we failed to notice, and how we can strengthen the systems protecting our youth before they lose their way,” he added.

According to Dy, all sectors — government agencies, teachers, parents, school staff, and local communities — must work together towards strengthening initiatives on student welfare, mental health, conflict resolution, and early intervention.

“This tragedy should compel all sectors to work together to strengthen school safety, promote the well-being of our youth, and address the conditions that can lead to violence. The House of Representatives stands ready to support policies and programs that advance these goals,” he added.

Article continues after this advertisement

According to the Police Regional Office – Eastern Visayas (PRO-8), both suspects have been arrested.

PRO 8 director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy told reporters that the first culprit was arrested inside the school, while the second one was arrested in a nearby barangay.

Article continues after this advertisement

He identified the two suspects as a 14-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy, both of whom were Grade 9 students.

A Glock pistol and a caliber .38 revolver were confiscated from them, Capoy added

READ: Both suspects in Tacloban City school shooting arrested — police

Capoy said there is a possibility that both suspects were bullied since Grade 7.

READ: Tacloban City school shooting suspects may have been bullied

Several lawmakers have already condemned the incident.

On Monday, Dy’s predecessor, former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, assured the public that his office has been coordinating with local authorities and government agencies to identify what kind of aid can be provided to families affected by the shooting incident.

Tacloban is part of Leyte’s first district.

“I am deeply saddened and heartbroken by the tragic shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that claimed the lives of students and left several others injured.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, the injured students, their classmates, teachers, and the entire school community as they face this unimaginable tragedy,” Romualdez said.

“I have directed my office to coordinate with local authorities and relevant government agencies to determine what assistance can immediately be provided to the affected families.  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,” he added.

Tingog party-list, which originated from Eastern Visayas where Tacloban is situated, also called for a “swift and impartial investigation” regarding how this incident happened, and how firearms slipped through security examination at the school’s entry points.

Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes, meanwhile, said that aside from the suspects, the school principal must also be held accountable as schools must be secured areas.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Dy urged authorities to quickly resolve the case as schools should be places of learning and safety. /gsg