Marcos orders probe on school violence after wave of shocking attacks, killings
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered a swift and thorough investigation into a string of violent incidents in schools across Luzon and Mindanao, directing agencies to ensure the strict implementation of child protection policies.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Thursday that the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Philippine National Police (PNP) will jointly probe the cases, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will help assess how schools are enforcing protective measures for children.
“Kailangan po talagang maimbestigahan ito lalo po’t may mga menor de edad na nasasangkot po dito at nagiging issue na talaga ‘yung mental health sa mga kabataan [There is really a need to investigate this, especially if minors are involved. Mental health is becoming an issue among the youth. We will not sit on this],” Castro stressed, noting the President’s concern over the recent incidents.
Among the cases were the August 7 shooting of a 15-year-old female student in Nueva Ecija by her 18-year-old ex-boyfriend, who then took his own life; the August 4 killing of a teacher in Lanao del Sur by a Grade 11 student reportedly upset over failing grades; and the August 10 mauling of a nine-year-old Grade 3 pupil in Iligan City by five high school students, leaving the child in intensive care.
In response, Education Secretary Sonny Angara issued a memorandum on August 8 mandating tighter campus security, including bag inspections, more visible security personnel and stricter entry and exit protocols. DepEd also urged schools to bolster reporting systems for child abuse, bullying, violence, exploitation, discrimination and gang-related activity.
When asked about calls to lower the age of criminal responsibility, Castro said she has yet to discuss the matter with the President. Under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, children aged 15 or younger at the time of an offense are exempt from criminal liability but must undergo intervention programs.
