Camille Villar urges better school security after Tacloban shooting

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Camille Villar expressed deep sorrow and concern over the shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where three students were killed and several others were injured, calling for urgent and coordinated action to better protect Filipino children inside schools.

“As a mother and as a senator, I am deeply heartbroken by this tragedy. No parent should ever have to receive the devastating news that a child who left home for school will never return. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, the injured students, their classmates, teachers, and the entire Tacloban community during this painful time,” Villar said in Filipino in a statement released on Monday.

Villar, the youngest senator of the 20th Congress, stressed that schools must remain safe spaces where children can learn, grow, and pursue their dreams without fear of violence.

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READ: School shooting kills 3 students in Tacloban

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“While the investigation is in progress, it’s important to know the whole truth behind this incident. But at the same time, we can’t wait for another tragedy before we make a move. This is a wake-up call for all of us,” Villar said.

The senator called on the Department of Education, local government units, law enforcement agencies, and school authorities to closely review existing school safety protocols, anti-bullying and counseling services, and intervention programs for at-risk youth.

“The protection of our children cannot be the responsibility of one institution alone. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach,” she said.

Villar also emphasized the importance of addressing the growing mental health challenges faced by many young Filipinos, noting that emotional distress, social pressures, bullying, and unresolved psychological concerns often go unnoticed until it is too late.

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READ: Senate panel to probe Tacloban school shooting on July 1

The senator cited her Senate Bill No. 1760, which seeks to institutionalize the appointment of a mental health officer in every city and municipality to oversee community-based mental health programs and services.

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She added that the Tacloban incident highlights the need to revisit existing policies on school safety, anti-bullying measures, youth intervention programs, and access to mental health services, while studying possible legislative reforms that would further strengthen protection mechanisms for students.

“The loss of even one young life is already one too many. We cannot allow violence to take away the future of our children. As legislators, educators, parents, and public servants, we must come together and act with urgency. Our children deserve nothing less,” she said. /atm

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