Marcos wants campus security tightened after Leyte attack

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos on Monday ordered authorities to conduct an in-depth probe while strengthening security measures, especially in schools, following the shooting in Tacloban City, the provincial capital of Leyte, where two teens shot and killed three of their schoolmates and injured 13 others.

“The President is saddened by the incident. He [has] ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and instructed authorities to ensure protection and safety in all places, offices, and establishments, especially in schools,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said in a message to reporters.

Several lawmakers also strongly condemned the shooting incident and what they see as the rising incidence of violence in schools.

“I am deeply alarmed and outraged by the school shooting incident this morning… It is unacceptable that this kind of violence extends to schools that are supposed to serve as safe spaces,” said Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, noting that just last week, seven students were wounded in separate stabbing incidents inside schools in Cavite.

READ: 2 suspects in Tacloban school shooting went on rampage – witnesses

Stronger gun policies

Sen. Francis Pangilinan, author of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 and its amendments in 2013, said, “I call for the swift, complete, and proper implementation of the juvenile justice law. Suspects cannot be released even if they are minors. They must go through the process set forth by law.”

In a statement, Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said he has directed his office to coordinate with local authorities and government agencies to identify what kind of aid can be provided to families affected by the shooting inside San Jose National High School in Tacloban.

Former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, on the other hand, questioned how the suspects got hold of their firearms, and said the incident stresses the need for stronger gun control policies and stricter accountability for gun owners. /cb