Senator Mark Villar has called for stronger school security measures following the fatal stabbing of a Grade 9 student inside Las Piñas National High School, saying the incident highlights the need for immediate action to protect students better.

Villar described the killing as a tragic loss and stressed that schools should remain safe spaces for learning rather than places where students face threats to their lives.

"Our schools must always be places of safety, learning, and hope—not places where our children are exposed to violence and danger. No student should ever have to fear for their safety while pursuing their education and dreams," Villar said.

The senator expressed his sympathies to the victim's family and said his office is extending assistance to help them during this difficult time.

He also urged local authorities and relevant government agencies to promptly investigate the incident, hold those responsible accountable, and strengthen school security to prevent similar cases.

Villar likewise appealed to educators, parents, and communities to work together in fostering respect, empathy, and peaceful conflict resolution among young people.

According to Villar, the tragedy underscores the urgency of passing his proposed Senate Bill (SB) No. 2321, or the Learning Institution's Guaranteed Threat Avoidance and Safety (LIGTAS) Act.

The measure seeks to improve campus safety by increasing police visibility in schools, establishing coordinated threat assessment systems, creating direct emergency hotlines linked to police, fire, and rescue units, ensuring immediate notification of parents during emergencies, and requiring adequate first-aid equipment, trained medical personnel, and security guards.

It also calls for the installation of strategically placed CCTV cameras, appropriate security screening systems, and regular safety and security training for students, teachers, and school personnel.

"Hindi na natin maibabalik ang buhay na nawala dahil sa masakit na trahedyang ito, ngunit hindi tayo maaaring manatiling walang ginagawa. Kailangan nating kumilos nang maiwasan ang ganitong mga pangyayari at tiyaking ligtas ang bawat paaralan para sa ating mga anak. Ang bawat batang Pilipino ay may karapatang makapag-aral sa isang kapaligirang ligtas, protektado, at malaya mula sa anumang uri ng karahasan," Villar said.

(We can no longer bring back the life lost in this heartbreaking tragedy, but we cannot afford to remain idle. We must take action to prevent incidents like this from happening again and ensure that every school is a safe place for our children. Every Filipino child has the right to study in an environment that is safe, protected, and free from all forms of violence.)

A 13-year-old student was fatally stabbed by his 14-year-old classmate following an argument inside Las Piñas National High School on Friday afternoon, July 31.