Senators on Monday, June 22 expressed outrage over reports of a shooting incident at a high school in Tacloban City where three people were killed and five others were seriously wounded. 

“I am deeply alarmed and outraged by the school shooting incident this morning at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City... It is unacceptable that this kind of violence happens in schools that are supposed to serve as safe spaces,” Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said in a statement.

While authorities have apprehended one suspect in the incident—a 15-year old Grade 9 student, Gatchalian strongly urged law enforcers to exhaust all efforts to arrest the remaining suspect and ensure that justice is swiftly served.

The Senate chief also urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to provide immediate psychosocial support and intervention for affected learners, teachers and school personnel and to further strengthen security measures across all campuses.

“Just last week, seven students were injured in separate stabbing incidents inside schools in Cavite. These series of school violence is deeply concerning and requires immediate and coordinated action,” Gatchalian said.

Sen. Mark Villar also condemned the tragic shooting incident and condoled with the families of the victims.

Villar also said he supports the provision of counseling services, immediate assistance and other necessary interventions for the victims, their families and members of the school community affected by the incident.

“No parent should have to worry about their child’s safety while they are at school. No student should have to worry about not getting home safely after a day of school,” Villar said.

“Our schools must remain safe places where our youth can learn freely and prepare for the future. This tragedy is a painful reminder that we must continue to take steps to protect our communities from violence,” he said.