Angara urges holistic approach to school safety after Zambo shooting

MANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary Sonny Angara urges communities to adopt a whole-nation approach for campus safety and youth well-being after the fatal shooting incident that killed two minors at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) in Zamboanga City.

Angara made the pronouncement on Wednesday after once again expressing his condolences to the families and the entire school community affected by the incident and emphasizing that learners’ safety and welfare transcend public-private school distinctions, citing it as a universal concern.

H met with university officials, led by President Fr. Guillrey Anthony M. Andal, SJ, Zamboanga City local government officials, and representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) for a joint security briefing to evaluate campus protocols and streamline emergency measures.

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“Dapat natin i-approach itong problema bilang isang komunidad, dahil problema ito hindi lang ng isang eskwelahan, pero palagay ko problema ito ng ating kabataan, ng komunidad, at ng bawat komunidad sa buong bansa,” Angara said.

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(“We should approach this problem as a community because it is not just a problem of one school. I believe it is a problem of our youth, our community, and every community across the country.”)

READ: Angara joins Zamboanga briefing after Ateneo shooting incident

The DepEd Secretary also noted that physical security measures should be paired with active community engagement and strong emotional support systems within schools.

“Tinitignan natin hindi lang seguridad, hindi lang bakod, hindi lang CCTV, hindi lang metal detector. Importante din iyon, pero importante din ang mag-reach out ang ating komunidad starting sa school communities,” he said.

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(“We are looking at not just security, not just fences, not just CCTV cameras, and not just metal detectors. Those are important, but it is also important for our communities, starting with school communities, to reach out.”)

Angara also stressed the importance of parents’ participation in their children’s well-being, saying that safe environments begin at home and parents should remain attentive to their welfare. The need for socio-emotional learning and mental health initiatives across all schools should also be addressed.

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READ: DepEd sends psychosocial support after Zambo school shooting

“Talagang makihalubilo tayo sa ating mga estudyante, kilalanin natin sila, kumustahin natin sila. Kasi ang silbi talaga ng eskwelahan hindi lang magturo, kung hindi parang pangalawang tahanan,” he said.

(“We should really interact with our students, get to know them, and ask how they are. The purpose of a school is not just to teach, but also to serve as a second home.”)

In response to the shooting incident and to address security vulnerabilities, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will increase police visibility around school perimeters, with barangay tanods deployed in schools, especially those without security guards.

Privacy and digital behavior

Angara appealed to the public to demonstrate responsible digital behavior to protect the privacy and dignity of the minors involved in the case, after reports of unverified rumors and graphic content circulating online.

“Ang pagprotekta sa mga bata ay nangangahulugan din ng pagprotekta sa kanilang privacy at dignidad,” he emphasized.

(“Protecting children also means protecting their privacy and dignity.”)

As the investigation continues, the DepEd reminded individuals to avoid drawing conclusions and to immediately stop the distribution of sensitive images or unverified information, saying that affected families should be given dignity, space, and privacy during this difficult time.

“Ang pagpapakalat ng mga hindi kumpirmadong detalye, sensitibong larawan, o marahas na video ay lalo lamang nagpapalalim ng trauma at nagdudulot ng karagdagang dalamhati sa mga nagdadalamhating pamilya, mga batang mag-aaral, at mga empleyado ng paaralan,” Angara said.

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(“Spreading unverified details, sensitive images, or violent videos only deepens the trauma and causes further distress to grieving families, student children, and school employees.”) —Martina Nieyandra Calica (Inquirer trainee) /atm