Zamboanga city: Senators on Wednesday emphasized that preventing another school tragedy requires measures extending beyond school premises, focusing on children's home guidance, online experiences, firearm access, mental health support, and protective laws.

According to Philippines News Agency, this call to action follows the tragic shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School. Senators proposed various measures to address factors that could expose children to violence or allow warning signs to go unnoticed.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian highlighted minors' exposure to social media, especially after the attack footage was reportedly livestreamed and circulated online. He advocated for a social media ban for minors, promoting their safety and welfare, through Senate Bill No. 2066, which aims to prohibit social media accounts for children below 16 and strengthen age verification measures.

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano emphasized the broader environment influencing children's upbringing, urging shared responsibility among parents, teachers, leaders, churches, and communities. He expressed a prayerful hope for the victims and the Ateneo de Zamboanga community.

Senator Pia Cayetano stressed the importance of parental engagement and communication, especially regarding graphic online content. She advocated for funding school counselor positions and emphasized coordinated efforts among various sectors to enhance school safety and child protection.

Senator Loren Legarda underscored the need to prevent minors and unauthorized individuals from accessing firearms, highlighting this as a crucial step in preventing violence.

Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero pointed out concerns involving gun safekeeping, school security, mental health, and exposure to violent online content. He called for a review of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 to ensure its mechanisms remain effective.

Escudero urged lawmakers to embrace necessary changes and seize opportunities to improve, expedite, and ensure laws better serve the country's interests, particularly its youth.