DepEd calls incident a ‘high-alert situation’

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) classified the shooting incident at a public high school in Tacloban City that left three students dead and five others injured as a “high-alert situation.”

In a statement, DepEd said it “strongly condemn(s) this act of violence” and expressed grave concern over the shooting incident at San Jose National High School.

DepEd is coordinating with relevant government agencies to deploy medical assistance and psychosocial interventions for affected learners and personnel, while its central office is mobilizing additional assistance.

“The safety, well-being and mental health of our learners and personnel remain among the Department’s highest and most uncompromisable priorities. We remain committed to ensuring that our schools are secure, supportive environments for all,” the department said.

“The Department considers this as a high-alert situation. Our Central Office officials, alongside regional and division office personnel, are actively on the ground, coordinating closely with school authorities and law enforcement to secure the premises and ensure safety, security and protection,” DepEd said.

The agency extended its condolences to the families of the victims and offered prayers for the swift recovery of those injured.

“We strongly urge the public to respect the privacy and dignity of all children involved and to allow the proper authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry,” it said.

Marcos orders probe

President Marcos ordered yesterday an in-depth investigation into the shooting incident.

“The President was saddened by the incident. Anyone, especially the parents of the victims, will feel sadness and fear,” Palace press officer Claire Castro Castro said in a statement.

The President has “ordered a thorough investigation and for authorities to ensure the protection and safety in all areas, offices and establishments, especially schools,” she added.

Responding to the President’s order, the Department of Justice instructed its Office of the Regional Prosecutor in Region VIII to determine the facts surrounding the tragedy.

DOJ spokesman Polo Martinez said the department has coordinated with prosecutors in Eastern Visayas, while the Tacloban City Police Office continues its investigation in coordination with the city prosecutor’s office.

Authorities are gathering material details, including the identities of the victims, those injured and the persons allegedly involved, as well as the circumstances and possible motive behind the incident.

Two minors have reportedly been taken into custody.

“The Department will allow law enforcement authorities and the prosecutors concerned to complete their investigation, subject to all applicable safeguards under the law, especially those involving children in conflict with the law,” Martinez said.

‘Unacceptable’

The shooting incident drew strong reactions from lawmakers.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian described the incident as “unacceptable,” particularly in a place where safety and security are expected.

“I am deeply alarmed and outraged by the school shooting incident this morning at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, which claimed the lives of three learners and wounded five others. It is unacceptable for this kind of violence to reach schools that are supposed to serve as safe spaces,” he said.

“I am calling on the Department of Education to provide immediate psychosocial support and intervention for affected learners, teachers and school personnel, and to further strengthen security measures across all campuses,” he added.

Echoing Gatchalian, Sen. Francis Pangilinan urged the proper enforcement of the Juvenile Justice Law, stressing that the two Grade 9 suspects cannot be released from custody simply because they are minors.

“They must undergo the process prescribed by law,” Pangilinan said. “Under the law, the parents of the suspects may also be held liable if negligence is established. The law likewise requires the DSWD to provide appropriate support to the victims and their families until they obtain justice.”

At the House of Representatives, Minority leaders called for a congressional investigation into the shooting.

House Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio attributed the tragedy to systemic failures in the public education system and called for comprehensive psychosocial support and a larger education budget.

“The Tacloban tragedy exposes chronic underfunding, overcrowding, understaffing and inadequate psychosocial support in Philippine schools. Public schools face shortages of 150,000 teachers and 160,000 classrooms nationwide, while thousands lack guidance counselors, nurses and support personnel,” Tinio said.

“The lives of children should not be compromised because of budget cuts. Every school should have adequate guidance counselors, nurses and support personnel. The Tacloban tragedy shows the consequences of continuing neglect in the education system,” he added.

Senior Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima, meanwhile, called for stricter gun regulations, a crackdown on illegal firearms trafficking and tighter security measures in schools. — Helen Flores, Neil Jayson Servallos, Daphne Galvez