By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet

“Hindi natin maaaring tanggapin na maging bahagi na lamang ng buhay ng ating mga anak ang mga pamamaril sa paaralan.”

This sentence encapsulated the sentiments of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as he condemned yet another shooting incident that transpired at Banga National High School in South Cotabato on September 18.

The latest incident comes on the heels of similar shooting incidents that happened in the cities of Tacloban and Zamboanga in July and August, respectively, which also involved minors.

In light of these recent developments, President Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation into the shooting and how a minor was able to obtain and bring a firearm inside the school.

He expressed condolences and vowed support to families of those affected by the incident, “Nakikiramay ako sa mga pamilyang nawalan ng mahal sa buhay sa pamamaril sa Banga National High School sa South Cotabato. Tinitiyak nating natatanggap ng mga nasugatan ang kailangan nilang gamutan at tulong.”

The Chief Executive, moreover, directed the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Philippine National Police (PNP) to report on the measures they have implemented following the previous incidents.

Immediate interventions

A day after the shooting incident took place, Education Secretary Sonny Angara visited Banga National High School to initiate prompt actions and assistance to affected families and personnel.

This, as he engaged with school staff, parents, and local government and police officials to strengthen security protocols and deploy necessary psychosocial services.

Secretary Angara said in a statement, “No words can undo the grief and trauma felt by our families here in Banga. Our primary duty right now is care, providing real, sustained support to our learners, teachers, and personnel.”

He also inspected the school, attended a security briefing and a debriefing session for teachers and staff, visited the wake of the victims, and offered words of encouragement to the injured in the hospital.

The DepEd said in an earlier statement, “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the entire school community during this devastating time. We are outraged by this breach of campus safety and are taking all necessary steps to support those affected and ensure accountability.”

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) mobilized Field Office 12 to provide immediate assistance to affected families.

Social workers were deployed in hospitals housing injured students to provide them with psychological first aid and psychosocial support.

DSWD Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Irene Dumlao said in a statement, “Social workers are on the ground and coordinating with local authorities to help affected individuals and also yung mga pamilya po nila to cope with trauma, and malampasan yung matinding dalamhati. Kasi we understand na the incident is so sudden and hindi po ini-expect ng mga pamilyang ito na sa loob pa ng paaralan mangyayari.”

As of press time, official reports confirmed three fatalities, including one teacher, while injured individuals received medical treatment in nearby hospitals.

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