Zamboanga city: The Department of Education (DepEd) has emphasized the necessity of enhancing mental health programs as a long-term solution to prevent school violence. This comes in the wake of a tragic shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School, which resulted in the deaths of two students.
According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara visited the site of the incident to join a security briefing and assess the situation. During his trip to Zamboanga City, he also met with Fr. Guillrey Anthony Andal, SJ, President of Ateneo de Zamboanga University, along with city officials and representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The institution had been preparing to conduct an active shooting drill on its Junior High School campus in September, but the tragic event occurred beforehand. Angara emphasized that safety measures should extend beyond active shooting drills and include psychological and socio-emotional learning to address these issues in the long term.
The DepEd Secretary acknowledged the agency's ongoing efforts to improve mental health support for students but stressed that current circumstances require intensified initiatives. With the recent issuance of Civil Service Commission (CSC) Resolution No. 2600920, approximately 10,000 positions for School Counselor Associate I are expected to be created. These roles will be filled within the basic education sector, with deployment projected for the school year 2026 to 2027.
In addition to these measures, Angara stressed the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students within school communities. He urged educators to engage with students and provide a nurturing space that functions as a second home.
The possibility of online nihilistic influences contributing to the incident has not been dismissed by law enforcement. Angara highlighted the potential role of online groomers in influencing the child involved in the incident, citing the need for various agencies to collaborate in addressing these concerns.
Parents are advised to remain vigilant about their children's online interactions, as these can potentially expose them to harmful influences. Angara explained that nihilistic violent groups aim to exploit vulnerable youths, further emphasizing the importance of parental awareness.
Angara has called for restraint in forming conclusions or opinions about the incident while investigations continue. He underscored the importance of protecting the privacy and dignity of the involved learners and their families, urging the public to refrain from sharing details of the incident online to avoid causing additional distress.
