MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Win Gatchalian said he was "deeply alarmed and outraged" by the shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, killing three learners and wounding five others.
The senator on Monday called on the Department of Education (DepEp) to "further strengthen security measures across all campuses.”
"Hindi katanggap-tanggap na umaabot ang ganitong klaseng karahasan sa mga paaralang dapat nagsisilbing ligtas na espasyo (This kind of violence is unacceptable in schools which should serve as safe space [for students])," Gatchalian said.
He also urged DepEd to provide immediate psychosocial support and intervention for affected learners, teachers, and school personnel.
"While authorities have apprehended one suspect, a 15-year-old Grade 9 student, I strongly urge law enforcers to exhaust all efforts to arrest the remaining suspect and ensure that justice is swiftly served," he added.
Gatchalian noted that last week seven students were wounded in separate stabbing incidents inside a school in Cavite.
"The series of violence inside schools are quite alarming and need immediate coordinated action [from concerned authorities]," he said in Filipino.
