CCTV, detectors greet students at Tacloban school as classes resume

TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Philippines — Sixteen additional closed-circuit television cameras, two walk-through metal detectors, increased police presence and tighter campus security are now in place at San Jose National High School as in-person classes resume on Monday, two weeks after a campus shooting that left three students dead and 20 others injured.

The Schools Division of Tacloban City said the enhanced security measures, along with continuing psychosocial support for students and personnel, are part of efforts to ensure a safe return to classes following the June 22 tragedy.

“The resumption of classes signifies not that we have forgotten what happened, but that we are courageously taking the first steps toward restoring normalcy while honoring the memory of those we lost,” Schools Division information officer Nilo Eder said in a statement on Sunday.

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The shooting was carried out by two students, aged 14 and 15, who are now under the custody of a rehabilitation center run by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The 15-year-old suspect has been charged with three counts of murder, three counts of frustrated murder and multiple counts of serious physical injuries.

Classes were suspended after the incident to allow authorities to secure the campus and provide assistance to the victims, their families and the school community.

READ: Senate probe sees ‘extremist’ influence in Tacloban campus slays

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Eder said the Department of Education, in partnership with the Tacloban City government, the Philippine National Police, barangay officials and other stakeholders, implemented the security upgrades before the resumption of classes.

Psychological aid

Also among the upgrades were the completion of the school’s perimeter fence, installation of a public address system and campus repairs and repainting.

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Eder said psychological first aid and psychosocial support services would continue for those affected by the tragedy.

Students not yet ready for in-person classes may also opt for blended learning. /cb

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