Manila Bulletin
Philippines
Gatchalian: Schools should be zones of peace; slams recent armed encounters in Masbate
Philippines
Gatchalian: Schools should be zones of peace; slams recent armed encounters in Masbate
Gatchalian: Schools should be zones of peace; slams recent armed encounters in Masbate
Published Apr 6, 2023 02:03 am
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has decried the recent string of armed encounters in Masbate that occurred near schools.
“Our schools are zones of peace where the safety of our learners and teachers should never be compromised. It is reprehensible and unjustifiable that armed encounters take place near our schools which put the lives of our learners, teachers, and school personnel in peril,” said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.
Gatchalian is referring to the recent clashes between the Philippine Army and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Masbate since January of this year.
Two of the encounters happened on the same day in March 22, while on March 31, an encounter was also reported near a high school in Bula, Camarines Sur.
“I cannot fathom the trauma that these incidents caused to our learners and their communities. I strongly denounce these acts,” he said.
“I reiterate that nothing could justify how the lives of our learners and their teachers were endangered,” the senator added.
In light of these recent incidents, Gatchalian urged the police and military authorities to work closely with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the local government units (LGUs) in ensuring the safety of our schools, especially those in areas that are prone to attacks by rebels.
“It is also crucial that our law and security enforcers remain alert so we can avert similar incidents,” he said.
“As the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, I will continue to work with our different stakeholders to identify further steps to ensure the safety of our learners, our teachers, and their communities,” Gatchalian assured.