Senator Raffy Tulfo, vice chairperson of the Committee on Basic Education, raised concern over the recent increase in violence in Philippine schools, threatening the safety of students, teachers, and staff.
During the August 12 committee hearing, Tulfo cited two recent cases: on August 7, an 18-year-old former student shot a 15-year-old girl at Santa Rosa Integrated School in Nueva Ecija before taking his own life; and on August 4, a Grade 11 student at Balabagan Trade School in Lanao del Sur shot and killed his teacher, reportedly over a failing grade.
Tulfo questioned the Department of Education (DepEd) about the measures in place to prevent weapons from entering schools and to ensure a safe environment.
DepEd Usec. Filemon Javier said they have reiterated DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012, the “Child Protection Policy,” which enforces zero tolerance for violence, and have increased security efforts.
Tulfo criticized the poor implementation of this policy and stressed the need for school accountability. He rejected Javier’s explanation that the assailant simply blended into a crowd to enter the school, warning that this excuse cannot justify lapses in security.
Javier promised to enforce stricter measures to prevent school violence moving forward.IMT
