SEN. Francis Escudero on Wednesday urged Congress to reassess the country’s juvenile justice law following the shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga in Zamboanga City that left two students dead.
“We cannot set aside issues that have immediate implications for the safety of our youth,” Escudero, who co-authored Republic Act (RA) 9344 in 2006 and its amendatory law RA 10630 in 2013, said.
“We also need to include the review of Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, among our priority bills,” he said in a statement.
The senator acknowledged that the law provides mechanisms for accountability and rehabilitation of minors who violate the law.
However, he said lawmakers must identify and address gaps in its implementation.
“We need to act fast. Lawmakers must be open to change and seize the opportunity to refine and expedite the legislative process, ensuring that the laws we pass better serve the interests of our country and its people—especially the youth,” Escudero said.
“If existing laws no longer meet the demands of the times, it is our duty to amend and adapt them,” he added.
Escudero said the recent violent incidents also highlight concerns over gun safekeeping, school security, mental health, and young people’s exposure to violent online content and e-games.
“The series of violent incidents involving the youth in recent months — from stabbing cases in Cavite to shootings in Tacloban and Zamboanga — clearly signals a deepening social problem,” the senator said.
Escudero made the call following reports that the shooter, a Grade 9 student in the Ateneo de Zamboanga junior high school, was armed with a 9mm Glock pistol, which he used to kill a fellow student and himself.
Meanwhile, Sen. Pia Cayetano said that the tragedy “reminds us that we must continue strengthening both mental health services and school safety.”
“Reports that the incident was livestreamed are deeply concerning. Graphic content can cause further distress, particularly among children and young people. We must also remain vigilant about the risks children may encounter online,” Cayetano said in a statement.
“I appeal to parents to check in with their children, ask what they may have seen online, and keep the lines of communication open. Parents, however, also need the support of schools, communities and the government in keeping children safe,” she added.
Cayetano urged the Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Department of Education to strengthen coordination on school safety and child protection.
“Our schools must be places where every child feels safe to learn, grow and thrive. Protecting our children is a responsibility we all share,” she said.