Senator Mark A. Villar strongly condemned the shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University on Tuesday that left two students dead, expressing grave concern over another case of violence inside a school and renewing his call for stronger measures to protect students nationwide.
According to initial reports, the shooting occurred at around 8:30 a.m. inside the school premises. 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.
‘Lubos tayong nalulungkot at nababahala sa nangyaring pamamaril sa loob mismo ng isang paaralan sa Zamboanga City. Mariin nating kinokondena ang anumang uri ng karahasan sa ating mga paaralan. 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.
The senator stressed that the incident is particularly alarming because it happened in a place where children are supposed to feel safe and protected.
‘Walang magulang ang dapat matakot na baka hindi na makauwi nang ligtas ang kanilang anak mula sa paaralan. Schools must remain safe spaces where our children can learn, grow, and pursue their dreams without fear,’ Villar said.
Villar said the incident underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to school safety that goes beyond responding to violence after it happens. He stressed the importance of stronger security measures, early threat detection, emergency preparedness, guidance services, psychosocial support, and timely intervention for students.
‘Hindi na natin maaaring hintayin na may masaktan o mawalan ng buhay bago tayo kumilos. 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.
The senator renewed his push for Senate Bill No. 2321, or the proposed LIGTAS Act, which seeks to establish a comprehensive safety and security framework for basic education institutions nationwide. The measure includes 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, and crisis counseling.
Villar also cited Senate Bill No. 2133, or the proposed Students’ Guidance Counseling Act, which seeks to strengthen guidance and school-based mental health services and provide 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. Kailangan din nating magkaroon ng sistema na kayang makakita ng warning signs at mga taong handang makinig, gumabay, at tumulong sa ating mga estudyante bago pa lumala ang isang sitwasyon,’ Villar said.
‘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,’ Villar added.