Malacañang on Thursday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is deeply concerned over the recent incidents of school violence across the country and has directed government agencies to strengthen measures to protect students.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President was “heartbroken” after learning of the fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where three students were killed and around 20 others were injured.
“The violence that is happening in our country is unacceptable, especially when it involves young people,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
She said Marcos has instructed concerned agencies to determine the factors contributing to the recent incidents and to implement measures that would prevent similar attacks.
The Palace’s statement came after Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed that authorities had thwarted an alleged plan by a 14-year-old student to carry out a mass shooting or stabbing at Tolosa National High School in Leyte after receiving information from Sen. Bam Aquino.
According to Remulla, the student allegedly created multiple social media accounts where threats against the school were posted before they were later deleted.
The incident followed Monday’s deadly school shooting in Tacloban City involving two minors aged 14 and 15.
Castro also cited another incident in General Trias, Cavite, where a Grade 8 student allegedly stabbed seven Grade 5 pupils inside an elementary school. Police said the suspect was reportedly suffering from depression.
The Palace said authorities are also examining whether violent gaming applications and possible copycat behavior may have influenced some of the recent attacks.
“Maliban po sa nakita ng Pangulo na may kinalaman ang ibang mga gaming apps na marahas. So, dapat makita po talaga kung saan nagmumula ito, kung nagkakaroon ba ng panggagaya, nagiging para bang normal ang ganitong klase na karahasan,” Castro said.
Earlier, the Department of Education ordered a review of school safety guidelines, learner protection mechanisms, anti-bullying policies and school-based mental health programs following the Tacloban tragedy.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the incident underscored the need for timely intervention and stronger support systems for learners facing emotional and psychological challenges before they escalate into crises.
