Pangilinan pushes school safety act passage after another fatal shooting

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Saturday, Sept. 19, said the passage of the Comprehensive School Safety Act is one way to address campus violence following another school shooting incident at a high school in South Cotabato.

Pangilinan expressed sympathies to the families and students affected after a Grade 9 student opened fire at Banga National High School that killed at least three students, including the shooter, and injured six others.

READ: South Cotabato gov: 3 dead, 6 wounded in school shooting

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The senator said that among the steps in addressing the rising violence in schools is the Comprehensive School Safety Act, which is set to be passed by the Senate.

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“Kailangang palakasin ng mga paaralan, magulang, komunidad, lokal na pamahalaan, at mga pambansang ahensya ang maagap na pagtugon, mga paraan ng pag-uulat, mental health care, seguridad sa mga paaralan, at responsableng paggamit ng online platforms,” he said in a statement.

(“Schools, parents, communities, local governments, and national agencies need to strengthen proactive responses, reporting mechanisms, mental health care, school security, and the responsible use of online platforms,)

He added, “Isang agarang hakbang tungo rito ang malapit nang maipasa ng Senado na Comprehensive School Safety Act,” 

(“An immediate step toward this is the Comprehensive School Safety Act, which is set to be passed by the Senate,”)

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The bill seeks to strengthen school safeguards, expand mental health services and child protection, promote responsible social media usage, among others.

Once passed into law, campuses are required to implement a comprehensive school safety framework and localized school safety plans, such as the establishment of a safety and security infrastructure and mandatory inspections.

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Pangilinan then called for the speed-up process of the investigation, as well as to enforce appropriate actions to address the incident.

“Nanawagan ako sa pulisya na ganap na ipatupad ang batas, kabilang ang Juvenile Justice Act. Hindi pinapalampas ng batas ang anumang maling ginawa; tinitiyak nito ang pananagutan sa pamamagitan ng ligal at angkop-sa-edad na mga hakbang,” he said.

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(“I call upon the police to fully enforce the law, including the Juvenile Justice Act. The law does not condone any wrongdoing, it ensures accountability through legal and age-appropriate measures,”) /mr