Metro Manila, Philippines – Parent and community involvement are key to curbing school-based violence, the secretaries of education and interior and local government said in a forum on Friday, Nov. 6.

The challenge came on the heels of school violence in recent months that killed learners, as authorities traced possible trigger points among suspects that included harmful online content.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Education Secretary Sonny Angara told a forum at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) in Pasig City that adults should establish open communication with children to help thwart nihilistic violent extremism.

Remulla said that while government interventions aim to curb campus violence, parents and the community play a crucial role in monitoring youth online activities.

“The government cannot do it alone. Our schools have to be reinforced, our families have to get together, and our faith has to be strengthened to protect our children from the deeper threats they face,” he said.

Remulla reiterated his call to hold platforms that host age-inappropriate and hateful digital environments accountable.

Angara urged stricter firewalls and safeguards on social media platforms.

He also appealed to school administrators and personnel to foster kind and supportive learning environments, noting that security measures could only do so much.

“We need to build stronger communities; we need better relationships with our learners,” Angara said.

On Oct. 14, the two agencies signed a memorandum of agreement that allowed the deployment of barangay watchmen to school vicinities for added security.