The fatal incident has already raised alarm among parents and other students.
On Monday, June 22, a grim incident took place inside the San Jose National High School campus in Tacloban City as two Grade 9 students shot other learners, which resulted to three casualties and thirteen injuries.
According to the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO), the first suspect was apprehended right after the incident, while the other was arrested hours later.
At present, it is said that authorities are doing an extensive investigation to understand the cause of the tragic incident, including the motive and appealed for the public to not spread unverified information.
In light of the incident, the Department of Education issued a statement, where it conveyed its “gravest concern” over the incident, regarding it 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,” the department noted.
Recognizing the emotional toll of this tragedy on victims and witnesses, the department said that it is “working hand-in-hand with relevant government agencies to deploy critical medical assistance and appropriate psychosocial interventions for the affected learners and personnel.”
It continued, “We strongly condemn this act of violence and extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as our earnest prayers for the swift recovery of those who were injured. The Central Office is now mobilizing assistance to our affected learners.”
DepEd also strongly urged 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.
“The safety, well-being, and mental health of our learners and personnel remain among the Department’s highest and most uncompromisable priorities,” DepEd further stated. “We remain committed to ensuring that our schools are secure, supportive environments for all.”
Meanwhile, Senator Francis Pangilinan, who authored Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.
The lawmaker conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved families of the casualties, “Taos-puso akong nakikiramay sa mga naiwan ng mga nasawi.“
He also condemned the incident and appealed for the swift and proper use of the law.
“Mariin kong kinokondena ang pamamaril na nangyari sa loob ng paaralan. Walang lugar ang karahasan sa ating lipunan, lalong-lalo na sa mga lugar na dapat ay ligtas para sa mga bata,” he stressed. “Nananawagan ako ng mabilis, ganap, at tamang pagpapatupad ng Juvenile Justice Law. Hindi pwedeng pakawalan ang mga suspek kahit menor de edad. Dapat dumaan sila sa prosesong itinakda ng batas.”
He also underscored that under the law, the parents of the perpetrators have liability, especially if they were proven to have been negligent.
Lastly, Pangilinan said, “Itinatakda rin ng batas na kailangang bigyan ng DSWD ng karampatang suporta ang mga biktima at ang kanilang mga pamilya hanggang makamit nila ang katarungan.“