Senator Camille Villar expressed deep sorrow and concern following the tragic shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that claimed the lives of three students and injured several others, calling for urgent and coordinated action to better protect Filipino children inside schools.
“As a mother and as a senator, I am deeply heartbroken by this tragedy. No parent should ever have to receive the devastating news that a child who left home for school will never return. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, the injured students, their classmates, teachers, and the entire Tacloban community during this painful time,” Villar said.
The legislator stressed that schools must remain safe spaces where children can learn, grow, and pursue their dreams without fear of violence.
“Hindi natin maaaring hintayin na may susunod pang trahedya bago tayo kumilos.”
“Habang nagpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon, mahalagang matukoy ang buong katotohanan sa likod ng insidenteng ito. Ngunit kasabay nito, hindi natin maaaring hintayin na may susunod pang trahedya bago tayo kumilos. This is a wake-up call for all of us,” the lawmaker said.
The lady senator called on the Department of Education, local government units, law enforcement agencies, and school authorities to closely review existing school safety protocols, anti-bullying and counseling services, and intervention programs for at-risk youth.
“The protection of our children cannot be the responsibility of one institution alone.”
“We must strengthen coordination among our schools, communities, local governments, and law enforcement agencies. The protection of our children cannot be the responsibility of one institution alone. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach,” she said.
Villar also emphasized the importance of addressing the growing mental health challenges faced by many young Filipinos, noting that emotional distress, social pressures, bullying, and unresolved psychological concerns often go unnoticed until it is too late.
She cited her Senate Bill No. 1760, which seeks to institutionalize the appointment of a Mental Health Officer in every city and municipality to oversee community-based mental health programs and services.
Villar added that the Tacloban incident highlights the need to revisit existing policies on school safety, anti-bullying measures, youth intervention programs, and access to mental health services, while studying possible legislative reforms that would further strengthen protection mechanisms for students.
“The loss of even one young life is already one too many. We cannot allow violence to take away the future of our children. As legislators, educators, parents, and public servants, we must come together and act with urgency. Our children deserve nothing less,” she concluded.
