Concern, outrage over school shooting in Tacloban
Government officials have expressed concern and condemned the shooting incident that took place at a Tacloban school on June 22.
Three people were killed, and seven were injured following the shooting that took place at San Jose National High School. Two suspects—both minors who were students at the school—have been arrested.
Since the tragedy on Monday morning, Malacañang, lawmakers, and other government agencies have released statements slamming the gun violence.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an investigation into the incident.
"Kinakalungkot ng Pangulo ang pangyayari," Palace press officer Usec. Claire Castro said, as per The Philippine STAR. "Kahit sino pa man, lalo na ang mga magulang ng mga nabiktima, ay makakaramdaman [ng] lungkot at takot."
"Iniuutos ang malalimang pag-iimbestiga rito at pinapasiguro ng proteksyon at kaligtasan sa lahat ng lugar, opisina, establisimyento lalong-lalo na sa mga paaralan."
Meanwhile, the Department of Education said that it considers the incident a "high-alert situation." Education Sec. Sonny Angara said on X that he is on the way to Tacloban to visit the affected learners.
Additionally, DepEd said it is working with other agencies to deploy critical medical assistance and appropriate psychosocial interventions to learners and staff.
"We strongly condemn this act of violence and extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as our earnest prayers for the swift recovery of those who were injured," the agency said in its official statement.
Lawmakers from both houses of Congress have also spoken out about the incident.
"Lubhang nakakabahala at nakakagalit ang sunud-sunod na karahasang nagaganap sa loob ng mga paaralan," Senate President Win Gatchalian stated, referring to the Tacloban shooting and the June 16 stabbing incident in Cavite wherein a 14-year-old girl attacked pupils at Bethel Academy.
"Dapat nagsisilbing ligtas na espasyo ang ating mga paaralan, kaya kailangan ang agarang pagkilos upang mapanagot ang mga sangkot at makamit ang hustisya," he added.
For his part, Sen. Robin Padilla urged for amendments to the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006. He seeks to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 10 years old.
"Sunod[-]sunod na po ito. May hold up[,] may rape[,] ngayon pamamaril sa paaralan... Ano po ba hinihintay ng mga kasama nating mga senador?" he wrote on Facebook, adding that he hopes the amendments would be implemented as fast as the bill that declared waling-waling as the country's national orchid.
Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, meanwhile, said that his office is reaching out to local authorities to provide assistance to affected families.
"I am deeply saddened and heartbroken by the tragic shooting incident [...] Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, the injured students, their classmates, teachers, and the entire school community as they face this unimaginable tragedy," he said in a statement.
"As we mourn, we must also reflect on what more can be done to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. We owe it to our children, our teachers, and every Filipino family to make our schools places where young people can learn without fear."
