DILG backs early intervention, community measures to prevent violence

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) pushed to bolster early interventions and community-based measures in the wake of a shooting incident at a Tacloban City high school on Monday.

“The DILG strongly condemns the shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the swift recovery of those who were injured,” the department said in a statement.

“This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the need to strengthen school safety, enhance early intervention mechanisms, and reinforce community-based efforts to prevent violence before it occurs,” it added.

READ: Tacloban City school shooting suspects may have been bullied

The shooting incident occurred at around 9 a.m. on Monday, when two Grade 9 students opened fire in at least two rooms inside the school premises in Barangay San Jose.

In a press briefing on Monday afternoon, Philippine National Police (PNP) public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co identified the suspects by the aliases Nash, 14; and Rod, 15.

Three students were killed during the attack, while three others were only wounded by the gunfire and four more were injured when they rushed to escape, according to the Co.

The suspects are currently under police custody, awaiting turnover to the city social welfare department per Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, Co noted.

The DILG said it ordered the PNP to thoroughly investigate the case and coordinate with the Department of Education and local government units to review and strengthen security measures in schools in the wake of the incident.

“No learner, teacher, or school personnel should have to fear for their safety inside an institution dedicated to education and personal development. Schools must remain places of learning, opportunity, and hope — not venues of violence,” the DILG said.

“We stand in solidarity with the victims, their families, and the entire school community during this difficult time,” it added.

In its own statement on Monday, the PNP said it directed the Police Regional Office Eastern Visayas (PRO 8) to ensure the proper handling of the case; and to bolster their visibility and patrol operations around schools as part of safety measures.

“To our students — you deserve to feel safe in your schools. To our parents — we hear your concerns and we share them. And to those who would bring harm into our learning institutions — the full force of the law awaits you,” the PNP stressed.

“Our schools must remain sanctuaries of learning, not scenes of violence. The PNP will not rest until every child can walk through their school gates without fear,” it added.

The national police force also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information as the investigation continues. /das