Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Edgardo Angara meets with Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) President Fr. Guillrey Anthony Andal, SJ, local government officials, Philippine National Police officials, and local education officials in Zamboanga City on Wednesday, August 19, 2026
ZAMBOANGA CITY - Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Edgardo Angara vowed here yesterday that DepEd would strengthen school-based guidance and counseling programs to help identify students experiencing emotional or psychological distress as calls mounted for tighter safeguards on firearms in the country’s learning institutions as well as social media discipline.
Angara visited Zamboanga City on Wednesday, August 19, to condole with the families of the shooting victims and the Ateneo community, and to meet with Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) President Fr. Guillrey Anthony Andal, SJ, local government officials, Philippine National Police officials, and local education officials to make a proper assessment, review response measures, and discuss enhanced school safety and mental health programs
He cautioned the public against making premature conclusions, saying that investigations on the incident have yet to be completed.
Speculations about bullying, or mental health issues suffered by the student shooter should be avoided, he added.
Angara urged parents to closely monitor their children’s online activities, adding that investigators are probing the possible influence of online activities which includes exposure to violent online content and gaming communities.
He also disclosed that the DepEd is drafting a new executive order that will allow localized decisions on the suspension of classes. This would enable schools in unaffected areas to resume classes with minimal disruption.