Mark Villar urges urgent action on school violence after Zamboanga shooting

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Mark A. Villar strongly condemned the shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University on Tuesday that left two students dead, one of them the alleged assailant, and renewed his call for stronger measures to protect students nationwide.

The shooting reportedly occurred at around 8:30 a.m. inside the school. Two students died in the incident, including the alleged shooter, while two other individuals were reportedly injured. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones, and we pray for the recovery of those injured and for the entire school community affected by this tragedy,” Villar said in a statement.

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According to him, the incident is particularly alarming because it happened in a place where children are supposed to feel safe and protected.

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READ: 2 reported dead in Zamboanga City school shooting

“Schools must remain safe spaces where our children can learn, grow, and pursue their dreams without fear,” Villar said.

The incident, he added, underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to school safety that goes beyond responding to violence after it happens.

“We need to identify threats early, strengthen security in our schools, and make sure that students have access to the guidance and support they need. Prevention and early intervention must be at the heart of our response,” Villar said.

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He renewed his call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2321, or the proposed Learning Institution’s Guaranteed Threat Avoidance and Safety (Ligtas) Act, which seeks to establish a comprehensive safety and security framework for basic education institutions nationwide.

The bill calls for schools and concerned agencies to ensure the following:

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• stronger threat assessment and reporting mechanisms
• closer coordination between schools and law enforcement agencies
• emergency response protocols
• parent notification systems
• first-aid preparedness
• regular emergency drills
• crisis counseling

READ: Sen. Mark Villar files bill to ensure stronger school security

Villar also cited Senate Bill No. 2133, or the proposed Students’ Guidance Counseling Act, which seeks to boost guidance and school-based mental health services by providing students with greater access to qualified professionals, preventive programs, referral mechanisms, and appropriate intervention.

“School safety is not only about securing our gates and classrooms,” Villar explained.

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“Every tragedy inside a school demands more than our sympathy — it demands action. We must strengthen both the security and support systems in our schools so that every Filipino student can learn and return home safely to their family,” he added. /atm