Senator Loren Legarda says the involvement of minor-suspects in the tragic Tacloban City school shooting must not "diminish their accountability" for the incident.

"This attack demands that we face a hard and disturbing reality. The suspects are themselves minors," Legarda said in a statement.

"By the time a child has a gun in their hands and carries it into a classroom, the people and systems meant to protect them have already failed," she pointed out.

"That does not diminish their accountability for their actions and to the families of the victims who appeal for justice," noted Legarda.

"But it should make us confront the warning signs we miss, the help that reaches our young people too late, and the ease with which a minor can get hold of a gun," said the veteran lawmaker.

Last Monday, June 22, two Grade 9 students aged 14 and 15 reportedly entered San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte and the opened fire at their fellow students. Three minors ended up dead.

The shooters--allegedly bullying victims--were armed with .9 and .38 revolver pistols.

"This tragedy comes at a deeply alarming time, following recent incidents of violence involving students in other schools," Legarda said.

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and offer my prayers for the swift recovery of those who were wounded."

She said that no child should ever fear for their safety within the walls of a school, a place meant to nurture learning, growth, and hope.

"As authorities continue to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident, it is clear that we must intensify efforts to address the challenges faced by our youth, including violence, mental health concerns, and access to firearms," she added.

"Hindi na dapat maulit ang ganitong karahasan. Tungkulin nating tiyakin na sila’y ligtas sa bawat silid-aralan," Legarda said.

(This violence must never happen again. It is our duty to ensure they are safe in every classroom.)