The incident that has sent shockwaves across the entire country has left three students dead and 12 others still being treated in various hospitals.
On Tuesday, June 23, a day after the tragic school shooting incident inside the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Education Secretary Sonny Angara personally assessed the condition of affected students and staff.
Angara was there as he led the Department of Education (DepEd) crisis response following the campus shooting.
In light of the incident, the department has coordinated with local authorities, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the school administration for the implementation of tighter security following an inspection of the school to assess security vulnerabilities at the facility.
The education chief also expressed the condolences of the national government and emohadized that safety inside schools is a priority that cannot be compromised.
“Labis na ipinagdadalamhati ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos at ng buong DepEd ang marahas na insidenteng ito, kaya agad natin tiniyak ang tulong at suporta sa pamilya ng mga biktima,” he said. “Alinsunod sa utos ng Pangulo, lalo nating hihigpitan ang seguridad sa mga paaralan upang mapanatili itong ligtas na espasyo para sa ating mga kabataan.”
Angara also visited the victims’ wakes and went to local hospitals to check on the condition of the injured.
He also called on the public to avoid speculation and the spread of unconfirmed information, stressing that responsible communication is essential to protect affected communities and prevent similar incidents.
The Secretary also added that students’ behavior needs more thorough guidance, particularly when they are experiencing intense pressure on social media or lack of parental guidance at home.
To address the severe trauma suffered by the school community, the DepEd has partnered with the Department of Health (DOH), Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and UP Tacloban Psych to immediately deploy mental health and psychosocial support services.
According to the DSWD Field Office in Region VIII, psychological first aid and psychosocial support services to the bereaved families, survivors, witnesses, and other affected individuals to help them cope with trauma, grief, and emotional distress were immediately provided in the aftermath.
In a separate statement, DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said that the agency recognizes the profound impact of the tragedy, particularly on children and young people who were exposed to the incident.
“Lubos pong nakikiramay ang DSWD sa mga pamilyang nawalan ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay at sa lahat ng naapektuhan ng malagim na insidenteng ito.,” said Dumlao.
“Ang ganitong trahedya ay nag-iiwan ng matinding trauma, lalo na sa mga batang nakasaksi o naapektuhan nito, kaya mahalaga pong agad nating maibigay ang kinakailangang psychosocial support upang matulungan silang makabangon.”
The DSWD official also assured, “Nakahanda po ang ahensya na magbigay ng karagdagang mga tulong sa lahat po ng naapektuhan ng trahedyang ito. Makakaasa po kayo na tuloy-tuloy po ang gagawing assessment ng ating mga social workers upang masiguro na lahat ng biktima ay mabibigyan ng karampatang tulong mula sa pamahalaan.”
Meanwhile, during his meeting with the teachers and staff of San Jose National High School, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara extended support and reminded educators to also take care of each other’s well-being.
“Before we act as authority figures, let’s not forget we’re human beings first. We need to be there for each other,” Angara told the teachers, as he acknowledged their role as second parents.
Angara also met with local officials and law enforcement to adjust security measures and took notice of the increased police patrols around the school, citing feedback from students that the police presence is effective in preventing trouble on campus.
Angara also thanked local officials for their swift action and reiterated that maintaining a safe school environment is the collective responsibility of the entire community.
The Philippine National Police is also currently investigating how the two suspects, both minors and already in police custody, gained access to the weapons.
The guns were reported to have come from a police relative of the first suspect and a security agency for the second.
In order to prevent similar incidents in the future and to strengthen long-term security on campuses, Angara has already ordered the strict implementation of security protocols nationwide under DepEd Order No. 006, series of 2026, or the Guidelines for Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment.
The directive mandates the screening of school entry points, regular inspection of bags and vehicles, and the installation of essential security equipment such as CCTV systems and metal detectors.
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