Senator Raffy Tulfo has raised alarm over the shooting incident inside Ateneo de Zamboanga University that left two students dead, including the Grade 10 student who carried out the shooting and later took his own life.
The incident was also livestreamed by the suspect on social media.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) confirmed that one of the two firearms used in the incident was a government-issued firearm belonging to the suspect’s father, who is a Customs police officer.
Upon learning of the incident, Tulfo’s office immediately sent an official letter to Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara seeking a more detailed report on the incident.
The legislator also expressed his office’s readiness to assist in addressing the needs of the victims’ families.
The lawmaker had earlier urged the DepEd, during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, to immediately implement measures to address the escalating violence in schools. From June to August 2026, nine consecutive incidents of school violence have been reportedly recorded.
“Provide handheld metal detectors to security guards in public schools to prevent firearms and other contraband from being brought inside school premises.”
The senator has also repeatedly coordinated with the DepEd, particularly Angara, to propose stricter security measures in schools. Among these is the provision of handheld metal detectors to security guards in public schools to prevent firearms and other contraband from being brought inside school premises.
For Tulfo, one of the issues that must be addressed is the lack of clear and stringent guidelines under existing laws on firearm storage, which may allow other individuals to gain easy access to firearms.
In light of this, he emphasized the need for clear storage requirements and proper inspection by the Philippine National Police (PNP) before the issuance of a License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF), to ensure that every gun owner has a secure and appropriate firearm storage system.
“We need to revisit existing laws on gun ownership. Dapat bago mag-issue ng LTOPF ang PNP ay ma-inspect muna nila kung ang licensed owner ay mayroong secured na lugar na mapaglalagyan ng baril niya,” Tulfo said.
“Hindi dapat ito basta basta ma-access ng kung sinoman, kabilang na ng anak ng licensed owner,” he added.
Tulfo is also pushing for stiffer penalties, including imprisonment, for licensed firearm owners whose guns are used by another person for an unlawful or improper purpose.
“Kapag ikaw ang licensed owner at nagamit ang baril mo sa hindi tamang paraan, dapat kasuhan ka, makulong.”
“Kapag ikaw ang licensed owner at nagamit ang baril mo sa hindi tamang paraan, dapat kasuhan ka, makulong,” he said.
In light of incidents like these, Tulfo recently filed Senate Bill No. 2371 seeking to amend Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006. The proposed measure seeks to establish Regional Rehabilitation Centers nationwide for children in conflict with the law who are involved in serious offenses.
Under the proposal, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) would be mandated to establish and operate Regional Rehabilitation Centers for Youth in every region, including separate and secure facilities for children aged 12 to 15 who have committed heinous crimes.
Ultimately, he supports additional measures to monitor and regulate children’s access to gadgets, social media, and online games.
Tulfo likewise wants the DepEd to explore programs that would provide parents and teachers with proper guidance in identifying and preventing violent behavior among students—an important issue that should also be given greater attention within Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs).
