Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed his condolences to the families of the three students who lost their lives in a tragic school shooting in Tacloban City. He assured the nation that the police and Department of Education (DepEd) are collaborating to bolster campus security throughout the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos addressed the nation during his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA), emphasizing the profound impact of the recent violence on the families of the victims and the lessons it holds for society. He extended heartfelt condolences to the parents and relatives of the deceased students, Chris Lorenz Fabian, Joyancee Separa, and Ayessa Nicole Dazo, acknowledging the bravery and virtues instilled in them.
President Marcos called for collective responsibility, urging the government, families, schools, churches, industries, and communities to enhance the guidance and nurturing of the youth. He emphasized that schools should serve as a safe haven, and highlighted the joint efforts of the local government, barangay, Philippine National Police (PNP), and DepEd in strengthening school security.
DepEd has already announced the implementation of active shooter drills focusing on survival actions during gun attacks, with the PNP actively participating. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that campuses would be included in daily police patrols, and police presence would be expected during Monday flag-raising ceremonies.
The PNP has also expressed support for DepEd's guidance counseling initiatives for children in conflict with the law, involving the Women and Children Protection Desk. Gen. Nartatez stressed the PNP's commitment to a comprehensive approach to community safety, aiming to prevent a recurrence of the Tacloban incident, the first school shooting of its kind in the country.
The police attribute the Tacloban school shooting, which injured 20 students, to the minor suspects' exposure to online violence through social media and the violent game GoreBox. The PNP remains in close coordination with DepEd to develop policies ensuring the safety and well-being of all learners.
