Three School Shootings Trigger Urgent Call for Safer Schools Under Bongbong Marcos
BONGBONG MARCOS – Concern over school safety continues to grow after three shooting incidents this year, prompting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to address the alarming situation.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has described the recent school shooting incidents in the Philippines as “unacceptable,” saying his administration is committed to strengthening security in schools and protecting students from violence.
Marcos made the statement on Monday following three school shooting incidents reported this year. He emphasized that the tragedies have affected not only the families who lost loved ones but also the wider Filipino community.
“Hindi katanggap-tanggap yung mga pangyayari na nakita natin sa Tacloban, sa Zamboanga, sa South Cotabato… Dumudugo ang puso hindi lang ng mga kapamilya ng mga nasawi, kundi ang buong bansa,” he said.
The President’s remarks came amid renewed concerns over the safety of students and teachers in educational institutions. The incidents in Tacloban, Zamboanga, and South Cotabato have placed greater attention on the need for stronger security measures and more effective efforts to prevent violence within school communities.
In a previous article, Vice President Sara Duterte criticized the administration in connection with the shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato. She linked the tragedy to what she described as shortcomings under the Marcos administration.
Duterte argued that the government’s attention to political alliances and consolidation had allegedly come at the expense of basic governance, particularly the protection of children. She also warned that continued weaknesses in governance could contribute to further incidents of violence in schools and communities.
“When a government prioritizes political consolidation over fundamental governance, the protection of children is inevitably compromised. The Marcos administration has failed the victims and survivors of the South Cotabato tragedy,” the Vice President said.
Duterte also raised concerns about the administration’s efforts to maintain safe and peaceful communities. According to her, government resources and attention have allegedly been directed toward political interests while systemic law enforcement concerns have not received sufficient attention.
She further claimed that gaps in administration and alleged neglect of public safety responsibilities have increased the vulnerability of Filipino children.
The contrasting statements from Marcos and Duterte underscore the continuing debate over how the government should respond to school violence. While Marcos has stressed his administration’s commitment to school security, Duterte has called attention to what she considers broader governance and law enforcement problems.
The incidents have renewed calls for stronger preventive measures and safer learning environments for students and teachers across the country.
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