Schools must never become killing grounds: This must end

Within the first weeks of classes, the Philippines witnessed a series of violent incidents involving young learners.

On June 16, 2026, a 14-year-old Grade 8 student armed with a kitchen knife attacked a Grade 5 classroom at a private school in General Trias City, Cavite, injuring seven pupils. On June 22, three students were killed in a shooting at a public high school in Tacloban City. A 12-year-old Grade 7 student later surrendered to police after stabbing a 14-year-old Grade 8 student outside a public school in Bacolod City. On July 31, a 13-year-old boy was fatally stabbed by his 14-year-old schoolmate inside a public high school in Las Piñas City.

Most recently, on Aug. 18, two students—including the alleged gunman—died in a shooting inside the Junior High School building of Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

Can we still call our schools havens of peace and security? How can parents be assured that children who leave home to study will return safely after dismissal?

These incidents cannot be dismissed as isolated cases. Their recurrence exposes gaps in threat detection, firearm and weapon control, mental health services, anti-bullying mechanisms, and coordination among schools, families, communities, and law enforcement agencies. The Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education must therefore intensify—not merely reiterate—their safety and security protocols.

First, every school must maintain a regularly updated safety plan covering controlled entry, confidential reporting channels, threat assessment, evacuation, lockdown, and reunification procedures. Drills must be trauma-sensitive and supported by trained personnel.

Second, the government must urgently fill vacant guidance counselor and guidance associate positions and establish accessible referral systems for learners showing distress, aggression, isolation, or exposure to bullying. Intervention must be preventive, confidential, and compassionate—not punitive or stigmatizing.

Third, schools, barangays, local governments, and police must establish coordinated safety networks. Police assistance should be available without turning campuses into intimidating spaces. Stronger safeguards against minors’ access to firearms and other deadly weapons are equally essential.

Parents must also maintain constant, open communication with their children. “Kumusta ang araw mo, nak?” may sound ordinary, but an attentive conversation can reveal bullying, fear, anger, or desperation before these erupt into violence.

I join the Second Congressional Commission on Education in supporting the passage of Sen. Bam Aquino’s proposed Comprehensive School Safety Act, Senate Bill No. 2390, which seeks stronger security, emergency response, psychosocial support, and interagency coordination.

Meanwhile, the public must respect grieving families and exercise prudence when sharing information, particularly unverified claims and graphic content.

This must end. It must never be normalized. This disturbing violence is not—and must never become—the face of Philippine schools.

Danilo V. Rogayan Jr.,
danrogayan@prmsu.edu.ph

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