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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Shooting incident in Nueva Ecija school sparks outcry from DepEd, teachers' group

Shooting incident in Nueva Ecija school sparks outcry from DepEd, teachers' group

Published Aug 8, 2025 11:50 am

At A Glance

  • DepEd and the TDC strongly condemned the Sta. Rosa school shooting, calling it unacceptable and a violation of the principle that schools must be safe spaces for learning
  • Government was urged to implement stronger safety measures, including deploying security personnel, improving infrastructure, and expanding mental health support in schools
  • Communities and local authorities were also urged to work together in upholding schools as zones of peace
UPHOLD SCHOOLS AS ZONES OF PEACE. DepEd, teachers’ group condemn Nueva Ecija school shooting; urge urgent reforms. (Photo from Unsplash)
UPHOLD SCHOOLS AS ZONES OF PEACE. DepEd, teachers’ group condemn Nueva Ecija school shooting; urge urgent reforms. (Photo from Unsplash)
The Department of Education (DepEd) and a teachers’ group on Friday, August 8, strongly condemned the shooting incident at Sta. Rosa Integrated School in Nueva Ecija, which left two students in critical condition and sent shockwaves through the education community.
In separate statements, DepEd and the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) called for immediate and concrete measures to strengthen school safety and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Unacceptable, appalling
DepEd, in an official statement, expressed its solidarity with the learners, teachers, and families affected by the tragedy, calling the act “appalling” and “unacceptable.”
“Our schools must be sanctuaries of safety and learning,” DepEd said. “Any form of violence, especially within or near school grounds, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” it added.
DepEd also commended the swift response of the Schools Division Office of Nueva Ecija for working closely with local authorities to investigate the incident and pursue justice for the victims.
“We stand in full solidarity with the learners, teachers, and the entire school community affected by this appalling incident,” DepEd added.
It further committed to supporting the families affected and enhancing school safety protocols nationwide.
“We call on our partners in the community to strengthen school security protocols and uphold our shared duty to make every school a zone of peace,” the agency said.
Teachers’ group urges stronger government action
The incident has also sparked renewed calls for urgent reforms and greater investment in school safety infrastructure.
TDC voiced deep concern over the shooting, revealing that two students were critically injured.
“This is particularly heartbreaking, as it happened just as the DepEd is intensifying its efforts to combat bullying and violence in schools,” said TDC spokesperson Jim Lester Beleno.
Beleno noted that the DepEd National Capital Region (NCR) office had recently launched consultations for a regional safe schools policy, underlining the urgency of addressing all forms of violence in the learning environment.
TDC called on the government to provide greater support by deploying more security personnel to schools, procuring essential safety equipment, and hiring additional mental health professionals, guidance counselors, and psychosocial support staff.
“We call on all sectors of society to work together in addressing violence, both inside and outside school grounds, so that every child may learn in an environment free from fear and harm,” Beleno said.
A call to uphold schools as zones of peace
Both DepEd and TDC emphasized that violence in or near educational institutions undermines the very foundation of learning and development.
DepEd is now appealing to community stakeholders, local governments, and law enforcement agencies to reinforce their cooperation in ensuring that every school becomes—and remains—a zone of peace.
“Any form of violence, especially within or near school grounds, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” DepEd said, reaffirming its “unwavering commitment” to protect the welfare of every learner, teacher, and school personnel.

Related Tags

Nueva Ecija school shooting Sta. Rosa Integrated School shooting DepEd statement school violence Teachers\' Dignity Coalition reaction school shooting Philippines 2025 school safety DepEd education sector condemns violence
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