Law enforcers and and private school administrators must immediately disseminate school safety hotlines and share reporting guidelines to facilitate the timely reporting and investigation of potential threats to schools.

Thus, said Pinoy Workers Party-list Rep. Karl Legazpi, amid the perceived escalation of violence in schools between the young learners themselves.

“I am calling on the PNP (Philippine National Police), DepEd (Department of Education), CHEd (Commission on Higher Education), and private school administrators to inform the public about the school safety hotlines, reporting channels, and reporting guidelines available for reporting suspicious activities, particularly those that may indicate a potential threat to school safety,” Legazpi said on Friday, June 26.

He noted that during a recent press conference, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed that he received a tip from Senator Bam Aquino on the night of June 24 regarding a social media post by a minor that raised serious concerns.

According to Remulla, the post allegedly contained language and indicators similar to those expressed by the two minors involved in the recent San Jose National High School shooting incident. Authorities immediately flagged and traced the post, enabling them to promptly contact the minor’s parents.

Legazpi also highlighted the need to educate the public on the types of suspicious behavior, messages, or activities that should be reported to the authorities.

“We must also remind the public about the types of information, suspicious behavior, messages, or plans that should be reported to the proper authorities,” he added.

The party-list solon likewise emphasized the need to clarify that reporting suspicious activities or providing information to the authorities does not immediately amount to an accusation.

He say this is an important reminder to encourage concerned citizens to report potential threats without fear of unfairly accusing anyone.

“Reporting suspicious activities is not the same as accusing someone of wrongdoing. It simply allows our authorities to assess the situation, determine whether there is a credible threat, and take the necessary steps to protect the safety of our communities,” said Legazpi.

Legazpi says the House Committee on Basic Education is scheduled to meet on June 29, during which the DepEd will present its report on incidents of school violence and the measures being undertaken to strengthen school safety.

“As vice chairperson of the House Committee on Basic Education, I look forward to discussing the Department of Education’s report on incidents of school violence and the preventive measures being implemented to strengthen school safety.

"The Committee meeting on June 29 will also provide an opportunity to determine whether existing policies are sufficient or whether additional legislative measures are needed to better protect our learners, teachers, school personnel, and school communities,” Legazpi said.

The country is still reeling from June 22 school shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte where three minors were killed.

The shooters--Grade 9 students aged 14 and 15--used 9mm and .38 revolvers in the broad daylight attack.