Angara orders psychosocial aid, tighter school security

MANILA, Philippines — Following a school shooting in Tacloban City that left three students dead and 20 injured, Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Tuesday ordered stricter school security protocols and urgent psychosocial care.

Police earlier said that the number of injured students in the San Jose National High School shooting climbed to 20, including 15 who sustained gunshot wounds and five others hurt amid the panic and chaos after the attack.

READ: Number of wounded due to Tacloban school shooting now at 20

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In a statement on Tuesday, Angara stressed that student safety remains a nonnegotiable government priority amid the tragedy.Angara met with local officials and law enforcement agencies to strengthen security coordination, acknowledging increased police presence around school areas and citing student feedback that patrols help deter disturbances.

The PNP continues to investigate how the two minor suspects, now in custody, accessed firearms allegedly traced to a police relative and a security agency.READ: PNP vows cases vs owners of guns used in Tacloban school shooting

To prevent similar incidents, Angara directed strict nationwide implementation of security measures under DepEd Order No. 006, series of 2026, or the Guidelines for Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment.

The policy includes reviewing school entry points, conducting regular bag and vehicle inspections, and installing security systems such as CCTV cameras and metal detectors.

Angara also visited the victims’ wakes and went to hospitals to personally check on the condition of those injured.

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To address psychological trauma within the community, DepEd worked with the Department of Health (DOH), Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and UP Tacloban Psych.These agencies were mobilized to provide immediate mental health and psychosocial interventions.

In a dialogue with teachers and staff of San Jose National High School, Angara offered reassurance and urged educators to support one another’s well-being.

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“Before we act as authority figures, let’s not forget we’re human beings first. We need to be there for each other,” Angara told the teachers and school personnel, recognizing their role as secondary guardians. /das

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