Several senators on Tuesday condemned the shooting incident in Ateneo de Zamboanga University which left two students dead, saying a thorough investigation must be conducted into the matter.
In a statement, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said clear answers must be given by concerned authorities on how the shooter was able to obtain two firearms and how these firearms were brought into the school premises.
“I demand a thorough investigation and call on the DepEd (Department of Education) and the local government of Zamboanga to provide immediate psychosocial support to distressed learners and school personnel,” he said
Gatchalian also vowed that the Senate will continue working with the education sector and communities to prevent violence in our schools.
Senator Bam Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, described the shooting incident as heart-wrenching, considering that schools have now become a place of fear and violence.
“Lubos tayong nakikiramay sa mga pamilya at kaibigan ng nasawi at sa buong komunidad na naapektuhan ng insidenteng ito. At gagawin natin ang lahat na hindi na ito maulit muli,” Aquino said in a statement.
(We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the deceased and to the entire community affected by this incident. And we will do everything to ensure this does not happen again.)
Senator Bong Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, also called on concerned authorities to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter.
“Gaya ng paulit-ulit kong idinidiin, ang mga paaralan ay dapat manatiling zones of peace and learning. Ipinagkakatiwala ng mga magulang ang kanilang mga anak sa mga guro at pamunuan ng paaralan sa paniniwalang sila ay ligtas, inaaruga, at binibigyan ng maaliwalas na espasyo para sa kanilang pagkatuto at kabuuang paghubog. Hindi kailanman dapat mabahiran ng takot at karahasan ang mga institusyong ito,” Go said.
(As I have repeatedly said, schools must remain zones of peace and learning. Parents entrust their children to teachers and school administrators, believing that they are safe, cared for, and provided with a conducive environment for learning and holistic development. These institutions must never be tainted by fear and violence.)
He also said his office stands ready to extend any assistance and support to the parents, students, and the school community affected by the tragedy.
Linked to Tacloban shooting?
Senator Risa Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate Committee Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, meanwhile, stressed that it is still uncertain if the incident was connected to violent extremism or to other online communities investigated following the Tacloban shooting.
Regardless, the senator committed to continue the work against nihilistic violent extremism, online grooming for serious violent activity, and other threats to children’s safety during the next committee hearing on Thursday.
“Sa totoo lang, kung ang karahasan ay hindi lamang ginagawa kundi idini-display, ginagaya, at nili-livestream pa, mas malaki at mas malalim ang problemang kailangang harapin natin bilang isang lipunan,” Hontiveros said.
(If only violence is not only committed but also displayed, imitated, and even livestreamed, the problem we must confront as a society is far greater and deeper.)
“Hindi dapat matutong mabuhay sa ganitong takot ang ating mga pamilya. Makakaasa kayo na gagawin natin ang lahat upang mapakilos ang gobyerno at maprotektahan ang ating mga anak,” she added.
(Our families should not have to live in such fear. Rest assured that we will do everything to mobilize the government and protect our children.)
Senator Mark Villar also said the incident shows the need for a comprehensive approach to school safety that goes beyond merely responding to violence.
He stressed the importance of stronger security measures, early threat detection, emergency preparedness, guidance services, psychosocial support, and timely intervention for students.
“School safety is not only about securing our gates and classrooms. Kailangan din nating magkaroon ng sistema na kayang makakita ng warning signs at mga taong handang makinig, gumabay, at tumulong sa ating mga estudyante bago pa lumala ang isang sitwasyon,” Villar said.
(We also need to have a system capable of spotting warning signs, as well as people ready to listen, guide, and help our students before a situation worsens.)
“Every tragedy inside a school demands more than our sympathy—it demands action. We must strengthen both the security and support systems in our schools so that every Filipino student can learn and return home safely to their family,” he added.
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan also underscored the importance of strengthening school safety, and increasing funding for guidance counselors, psychologists, and mental health services.
He also said online bullying, cyber grooming, and the spread of violent content should be addressed, and gun ownership regulations must be tightened.
“Hindi rin pwedeng salaula sa salita ang mga tumatayong lider, opisyal man ng pamahalaan o influencer sa social media. Hindi pwedeng i-normalize ang karahasan, kalupitan, o pagpatay. Delikado ang mensaheng ipinapaabot nito sa mga kabataang natututo pa lang kontrolin o i-manage ang nararamdamang galit, lungkot, o anumang pinagdaraanan,” Pangilinan said.
(Our leaders, whether government officials or social media influencers, should also not be foul-mouthed. Violence, cruelty, or killing cannot be normalized. The message this conveys to young people, who are still learning to control or manage feelings of anger, sadness, or whatever struggles they are facing, is dangerous.)
— VDV, GMA News
