The incident has sent shockwaves around the country.
On Wednesday, June 24, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara said that the shooting in Tacloban City is a “painful reminder” to further strengthen systems that protect and support students, both inside and outside of school.
“The tragedy in Tacloban is a painful reminder that learner protection requires constant vigilance and shared commitment,” Angara stressed. “While investigations will establish the facts surrounding this incident, we must also ask what more can be done to better support our learners and strengthen protective systems around them.”
He also emphasized that the conversation should involve not only schools, but families, communities, local governments, and all institutions entrusted with the welfare of children.
In light of the shooting incident in San Jose National High School on Monday, June 22, where two armed students open fired and killed at least three victims and injured 20 others, the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Tacloban City immediately took action.
It convened emergency security meetings with school leaders, and led the dispatch of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and psychosocial support services for affected students, parents, and teachers and staff, in collaboration with various government agencies and civic organizations.
On Wednesday, classes in 57 public schools in the division resumed after being suspended to allow for emotional healing, while severely affected schools such as San Jose Central School and Manlurip Elementary School were temporarily placed under education in emergencies (EiE) modalities.
However, the suspension of classes at San Jose National High School was extended until Friday, June 26.
Angara clarified that the safety of students is not just a matter of physical security, as it must also include strong child protection mechanisms, mental health and psychosocial support, anti-bullying programs, family collaboration, and easy access for students who are going through challenges.
SCHOOL-LEVEL REVIEW OF GUIDELINES
In this regard, Angara ordered a school-level review of the implementation of the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE) under DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026; learner protection mechanisms under the Child Protection Policy or DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012; and anti-bullying measures under the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 or Republic Act No. 10627; including school-based mental health and psychosocial support programs.
The Secretary stressed that these mechanisms should be in line with the protocols of other relevant agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and local government units (LGUs).
DepEd also moves to strengthen support for learners through the Learner Support Framework, which include the Kaagapay Program for parent engagement, Learner Tele-Consultation and Contact Hub, peer support programs and guidance and counseling services; and the expansion of Learner Support Centers nationwide.
DepEd emphasized that the most important lesson from the Tacloban shooting is the fact that protecting children is not just about responding after a traged, but also building a stronger system of care and support before it is too late.
PNP REVIEWS SECURITY PROTOCOLS
Meanwhile, following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has ordered a comprehensive review of school security protocols following the deadly shooting incident.
On Tuesday, Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesperson Colonel Allen Rae Co laid out the measures being undertaken by their agency.
He said that this includes a review of the school’s current security protocols and safety measures in all educational institutions.
The PNP also recommends that schools with multiple entry and exit points limit access to one or two monitored gates to strengthen security and better regulate the movement of individuals entering the school premises.
As regards to anti-bullying policies, it must also be assessed to ensure it is actively enforced.
Apart from this, the PNP vowed to intensify coordination mechanisms among law enforcement agencies, barangay officials, and school authorities to strengthen information sharing and incident response.
“Palalakasin po natin ‘yung coordination mechanism between law enforcement, the barangays, as well as the schools po natin,” Co said.
He noted that the PNP is eyeing the conduct of simulation exercises and emergency response drills to equip students, teachers, and school personnel with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively during crises, including active shooter incidents.
The police spokesman also said the PNP has intensified the deployment of police personnel in school and stressed the need for stronger support from local communities and local government units, particularly through the assistance of force multipliers such as barangay tanods, to maintain school safety.
“Kasama rito ay humihingi kami ng tulong at suporta ng local community, ng LGU, at lalung-lalo na ng barangay. Makakatulong po iyong mga tinatawag nating force multiplier,” he said.
