Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Education will review and strengthen security measures in schools in light of the deadly shooting in a public high school in Tacloban City, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said Monday, June 22.
In an interview on The Newsmaker, Angara said the incident exposed security gaps that must be addressed to prevent similar attacks from happening again.
“I think definitely mayroon talaga. Kasi may security guard na doon sa school na iyon and yet nangyari ito.”
[Translation: I think there definitely is a need. That school already had a security guard, yet the incident still happened.]
“Definitely magkakaroon tayo ng recommendation and action kung paano mapapaganda yung security.”
[Translation: We will definitely come up with recommendations and actions on how to improve security.]
The education chief said the department would coordinate with local governments, the Philippine National Police and other agencies to enhance campus safety.
“We will improve our security preparations,” he said.
The shooting killed three people and wounded several others inside the San Jose National High School.
Angara said he was shocked at the attack, noting that such incidents are uncommon in Philippine schools.
“Gulat na gulat po kami at sa totoo lang hanggang ngayon parang hindi kami makapaniwala na nangyari ito,” he said.
[Translation: We were very shocked and, honestly, until now we still cannot believe that this happened.]
He said senior DepEd officials were dispatched to Tacloban and he is on the way there himself.
The department has also coordinated with the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and local authorities to provide assistance to victims and affected families.
Beyond physical security, Angara said schools would also need more mental health and psychosocial support services for students, teachers and school personnel affected by the tragedy.
He urged parents and communities to immediately report concerns involving students who may be encountering problems.
Angara also appealed to the media to handle coverage of the shooting responsibly to avoid encouraging copycat incidents.
“Very sensitive topic ito. So sensitive din dapat ang handling,” the secretary said.
[Translation: This is a very sensitive topic, so it should also be handled sensitively.]
