The recent surge in crimes targeting students in General Santos City has prompted urgent calls for local government action to ensure youth safety. Retired General Willie M. Dangane, dean of Goldenstate College, expressed concern over incidents such as an alleged Highway Patrol Group officer molesting senior high school students and the rape and stabbing of a fourth-year BS Pharmacy student, “Nene,” in her home in Barangay Buayan on August 5. Suspect Arjay Cadungog Villapez was arrested and charged with rape and frustrated murder. Dangane emphasized that while these happened off-campus, the school supports the victims but stressed that ensuring public safety is the government’s responsibility, not the school’s. A Goldenstate College student voiced fears about safety and criticized the lackluster response to student-related crimes, urging stronger security measures and improved communication between authorities and schools. She called for a safe environment where students feel supported when reporting crimes. As investigations continue, the General Santos City Police Office and local government have yet to issue official statements, fueling demands for collaboration to protect students and enhance community safety. (Guia A. Rebollido/MindaNews)
