MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. vowed to strengthen security and violence-prevention measures in schools nationwide following a string of deadly shootings involving students in Tacloban, Zamboanga and South Cotabato.
Marcos said Monday the government is working with teachers, parents, barangay officials and other stakeholders to make schools safer and improve their ability to prevent and respond to violent incidents.
“Be assured that the government is working closely with our teachers, parents, barangay workers, and other stakeholders to make schools more secure,” Marcos said during the recognition of schools and education partners that participated in the Programme for International Student Assessment in Pasay City.
He said the government would also equip students, families and communities with the knowledge and resources necessary to recognize threats and respond to violence in educational institutions.
“We are committed to providing our youth, our parents, and our community with the knowledge and resources to prevent and respond to school violence,” he added.
Marcos cited the recent shootings in Tacloban, Zamboanga and South Cotabato as incidents that underscored the urgency of strengthening safeguards in schools.
“Hindi katanggap-tanggap ‘yung mga pangyayari na nakita natin sa Tacloban, sa Zamboanga, sa South Cotabato,” the President said.
He stressed that schools must remain places where children can learn without fearing for their safety.
“Ayaw na ayaw natin na nakikita na hindi tayo nakakasiguro, hindi tayo nakakatiyak na ang ating mga eskwelahan ay ligtas. [Gusto natin ang] mga kabataan ay nasa environment na kaya nilang mag-aral ng mabuti,” he added.
As part of efforts to strengthen student welfare and support systems, the government created 10,000 school counselor positions for School Year 2026-2027. The additional personnel are intended to help provide safer and more supportive learning environments for students.
The President’s renewed push for school safety follows a series of deadly incidents that have raised concerns over violence and access to firearms among minors.
In late June, a shooting at San Jose National High School in Barangay San Jose, Tacloban City involving two students aged 15 and 14 left three people dead and 11 others wounded.
Another shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University resulted in the deaths of two students, including the suspected shooter.
More recently, three students, including the suspected gunman, were killed in a shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato.
Following the South Cotabato incident, Marcos ordered an investigation into the shooting, including how a minor was able to obtain a firearm and bring it inside the school.
The administration has since been reviewing school security and violence-prevention measures as authorities seek stronger safeguards for students and school communities./PN
