ILOILO City – Alarmed by the deadly shooting inside a public high school in Tacloban City that left three students dead, Mayor Raisa Treñas on Monday ordered the immediate strengthening of security measures in all schools across Iloilo City to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring locally.
The directive came hours after a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City claimed the lives of four students and injured several others, prompting city officials in Iloilo to reassess school safety protocols and intensify coordination with law enforcement authorities.
“I have directed the Schools Division of Iloilo City, in coordination with the Iloilo City Police Office and concerned offices, to further strengthen and double security measures in all schools in the city,” Treñas said.
“Indi kita maghulat nga may matabo antes kita maghulag,” she added.
Treñas described the incident as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting students and ensuring that schools remain safe places for learning.
“I am deeply saddened and alarmed by the tragic shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that claimed the lives of students and left others injured,” Treñas said.
“On behalf of the people of Iloilo City, I extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and pray for the swift recovery of those who were hurt. No parent should ever have to endure the pain of losing a child in a place that should be safe for learning,” she added.
Initial police reports indicated that four students — three females and one male — were killed in the attack, while several others sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
Authorities arrested two suspects, including a minor identified as a child in conflict with the law (CICL), and continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting.
Although the incident occurred outside Iloilo City, Treñas stressed that local officials must not become complacent when it comes to school security.
“Kinahanglan nga padayon naton nga pasangkaron ang seguridad sa aton mga eskwelahan kag siguruhon nga ang aton mga estudyante makatuon sa isa ka environment nga luwas, malinong, kag wala sang kahadlok,” she said.
The mayor also urged school administrators, teachers, and parents to reinforce anti-bullying programs and early intervention efforts to address potential warning signs of violence among students.
“At the same time, ginapangabay ko man sa aton mga school administrators, teachers, kag parents nga padayon nga pasangkaron ang aton anti-bullying programs kag early intervention efforts,” she said. “Bullying, violence, kag bisan ano nga porma sang intimidation should never be tolerated.”
Treñas emphasized that safeguarding students remains among the city government’s highest priorities as it works closely with schools and law enforcement agencies to maintain secure learning environments.
“The safety of every Ilonggo learner will always be one of my highest priorities,” she said./PN
