• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod called for strengthened child protection and school safety measures June 24 in light of the recent shooting and stabbing incidents inside schools in Tacloban and Cavite, respectively.
The SP also passed a unanimous resolution condemning the shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City June 22, where three students were killed and several others injured; and the stabbing incident inside a private school in General Trias City, Cavite June 16 that left seven elementary students injured.
The perpetrators in both incidents are also students.
Recent reports concerning the tragic school violence incident in Tacloban City involving minors have raised serious concerns regarding the need to strengthen anti-bullying measures, mental health support systems, conflict-resolution mechanisms, parental involvement, and school safety protocols in educational institutions nationwide, Councilor Caesar Distrito stressed in his resolution approved by the SP.
“While the circumstances and findings of the investigation are matters for appropriate authorities to determine, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of early intervention, proper reporting mechanisms, effective counseling services, and the strict enforcement of anti-bullying and child protection policies,” he added.
Distrito noted that schools, parents, local government units, law enforcement agencies, social workers, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders share a collective responsibility in protecting children from bullying, violence, abuse, and other threats to their safety and development.
Councilor Psyche Marie Sy also urged all public and private educational institutions in Bacolod to strengthen school safety, security, and emergency preparedness measures.
“Schools must remain safe spaces conducive to learning, personal development, and the well-being of all members of the academic community,” she added, noting that the protection of students, teachers, and school personnel is a shared responsibility among educational institutions, LGUs, law enforcement agencies, parents, and other stakeholders.
Councilor Al Victor Espino, in his privilege speech at the start of the SP session, identified several measures that should be enforced in Bacolod schools to ensure the safety of students.
These include school-based mental health and psychosocial support program; training every teacher and school employee in psychological first aid, threat recognition, and clear referral protocols so that warning signs are caught early; strengthen and audit the Anti-Bullying Act; a citywide review of campus security and emergency response; intensify the campaign against loose and unlicensed firearms; and establish a confidential reporting and referral mechanism so that any student, teacher, or parent can report a threat, or a child in distress and reach a professional able to respond. | CGC
