Former senator Richard Gordon on Wednesday, Aug. 18, called for tighter firearm security and greater regulation of children's exposure to violent content online following a shooting inside a school in Zamboanga City that left two people dead, including the Grade 8 student identified as the gunman.

Former Sen. Richard Gordon (Senate PRIB photo)

In a statement, Gordon said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the incident, particularly after reports that the student had access to two firearms, including an M16 rifle and a .45-caliber handgun.

“How did a child get access to these weapons? This should never have happened,” Gordon said.

He said the incident was not an isolated case of violence involving children in schools, citing previous instances of students being attacked with knives and firearms.

Gordon also raised concerns that young people may be imitating violence they see in traditional and social media, particularly when perpetrators of violent acts gain widespread attention.

“We cannot ignore the danger of imitation,” he said, urging greater “social media discipline” and calling on parents to monitor what their children watch and the content to which they are exposed.

Gordon said authorities and policymakers should consider measures to regulate children's access to social media and prevent violent material from repeatedly reaching young audiences.

But he stressed that social media is not the only factor that should be examined.

Children, he said, also face bullying, academic pressure, family problems, and isolation, which could contribute to distress that adults may fail to notice.

“They need guidance. They need someone to talk to. They need parents and teachers who will listen before a problem becomes a tragedy,” Gordon said.

He likewise urged firearm-owning parents to ensure that weapons are properly secured and inaccessible to children.

“A high-powered firearm is not a toy. It can take a life in seconds,” he said.

Gordon said communities should also provide young people with positive alternatives and opportunities to develop healthy relationships and leadership skills instead of simply telling them what not to do.

He encouraged young people to build friendships, serve their communities, and volunteer, citing organizations such as the Red Cross Youth as avenues for developing discipline, leadership, compassion, and respect for human life.

“We owe it to our children to give them a better future and a better community,” Gordon said.