DepEd orders stricter security after school shooting
Inquirer files
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has directed all schools in the country to intensify measures against a repetition of the shooting incident that left two high schoolers in Nueva Ecija in critical condition.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara ordered school officials on Aug. 8 to implement stricter implementation of measures that have been in effect for years.
Angara issued the order on Friday, a day after an 18-year-old boy shot himself after shooting his 15-year-old ex-girlfriend inside her classroom at the Santa Rosa Integrated School in Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija, on Aug. 7.
READ: Teen Nueva Ecija couple in critical condition after classroom shooting
Central Luzon regional police investigators said initial findings suggested that the boy walked into the girl’s classroom, drew a .22 caliber gun and fired at the girl “without provocation.”
Police investigations suggested that the girl wanted to end her relationship with the boy, who later turned the gun on himself.
“This alarming incident reminds us of the importance of safeguarding our schools and taking a serious look at the emotional and psychological well-being of our youth,” Central Luzon police chief Police Brig. Gen. Ponce Peñones Jr. said in condemning the incident.
It was the first school shooting incident since 2022 when three people were killed at the graduation rites of the Ateneo de Manila University.
But the Ateneo incident was found to have been a political assassination of former Lamitan, Basilan, Mayor Rose Furigay, whose daughter was graduating from law school.
Both teenagers in Nueva Ecija remained in critical condition at press time, but Angara urged school officials all over the country to be stricter in implementing orders that were already in place in 2012.
Closer watch, please
Angara noted that pursuant to the DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012, titled DepEd Child Protection Policy, “all learners and school personnel are prohibited from committing acts of violence, abuse, and exploitation, as well as from introducing into the school premises or otherwise possessing prohibited articles such as deadly weapons, drugs, alcohol, toxic and noxious substances, and pornographic materials, among others.”
The DepEd chief likewise underscored that under DO 007, s. 2024, titled the Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of the Revised School-Based Management System, school communities have the duty of ensuring the safety and security of learning environments.
“These principles align with DepEd’s broader goal of promoting a culture of peace, mutual respect, and accountability within all schools,” Angara said.
“DepEd urges all stakeholders to work together to ensure that schools remain safe, secure, and nurturing spaces for every learner,” said Angara. /cb
