The Philippine National Police (PNP) wants to sit down with the Department of Education (DepEd) and local government units (LGUs) to discuss security measures in schools and academic institutions following the gun attack in a Tacloban City school that left at least three students dead.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr said he already ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and the result will form part of the measures that will be discussed with school authorities.

He said the initial steps taken is to dig deeper into the incident through an all-out investigation to come up with measures to prevent the repeat of the incident in the future and in any school and academic institution.

“I expect a full investigation that will focus on the circumstances that led to this incident— from what prompted these minors to do this and how they were able to get these firearms,” said Nartatez.

The Department of Education earlier said in a statement that it considers the gun attack in San Jose National High School in Tacloban City 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,” it said.

Based on the existing protocol, policemen are not allowed entry into any school unless approved by school authorities.

On the part of the PNP, Nartatez said they will coordinate with the DepEd to come up with measures for the protection of the students, teachers and other personnel of all schools in the country.

He said the local police force was also tasked to coordinate with proper authorities and stakeholders for the conduct of medical intervention to all the students and teachers who were traumatized by the incident.

“We will coordinate with the DepEd to come up with the best security measures in the interest of the safety of students and teachers inside the school and the peace of mind of the parents,” said Nartatez.

Probe

The perpetrators are minors and students of the San Jose National High School and both are already in police custody. They are both Grade 9 students and are close friends.

Based on the report, most of the victims are also Grade 9 students from two classrooms where the gunmen fired their .38 revolver and 9mm pistol.

“On behalf of the men and women of the PNP, I extend my sincerest condolences to the family of the victims,” said Nartatez.

“Words are not enough to ease the pain of your loss but we assure that we will pursue all the measures necessary in the interest of justice,” he added.

Stabbing

The gun attack in Taclobabn City happened days after a stabbing incident was reported in a school in Cavite.

Nartatez earlier expressed concern over the stabbing incident in Cavite, saying schools must be a safe place for students.

“Violence has no place in our schools. Our learners, teachers and school personnel deserve an environment that is safe and conducive to learning,” said Nartatez.