MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education reiterated its call for increased vigilance and stricter preventive measures against school violence and learner safety.
The reiteration comes after a high school dropout shot a female student at a school in Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija, before shooting himself.
The assailant, an 18-year-old male, was pronounced dead, while the 15-year-old female remained in critical condition.
In a memorandum signed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, all DepEd field offices are directed to intensify safety measures and violence prevention strategies.
These measures include the banning of deadly weapons and other prohibited items, the strengthening of anti-bullying and anti-violence reporting mechanisms, and the provision of mental health and learner support services.
“DepEd urges all stakeholders to work together to ensure that schools remain safe, secure, and nurturing spaces for every learner,” it said.
