THE Department of Education (DepEd) has issued a memorandum reiterating its call for increased vigilance and stricter measures against school violence.
The directive follows a tragic incident where an 18-year-old male, a high school dropout, shot a 15-year-old female student at a school in Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija, before shooting himself.
The assailant was pronounced dead on Friday, while his victim remains in critical condition.
In the memorandum, Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the strict enforcement of Department Order 40, Series of 2012, also known as the DepEd Child Protection Policy. This policy prohibits all learners and school personnel from committing acts of violence, abuse and exploitation. It also forbids bringing deadly weapons, drugs, alcohol, toxic substances and pornographic materials onto school premises.
“These principles align with DepEd’s broader goal of promoting a culture of peace, mutual respect and accountability within all schools,” the memorandum stated.
“DepEd urges all stakeholders to work together to ensure that schools remain safe, secure and nurturing spaces for every learner,” it added.
