By Wilnard Bacelonia | Philippine News Agency
More senators have called for stronger youth protection systems on Tuesday following the fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said the incident underscores the need to further enhance existing measures that guide young people and ensure their safety.
“How did they get access to firearms, and why do they know how to use them at such a young age?” he said, emphasizing that violence prevention begins at home through active parental involvement.
“Kung seryoso tayong wakasan ang karahasan sa ating mga paaralan, kailangang magsimula ang solusyon sa loob ng ating mga tahanan,” he added.
Sen. Loren Legarda said the tragedy highlights the need to continue improving programs addressing youth development, mental health and responsible access to firearms.
Sen. Camille Villar, meanwhile, said the incident serves as a reminder to further enhance school security, counseling services and intervention programs for at-risk youth, alongside expanding access to mental healthcare.
Meanwhile, Sen. Pia Cayetano called for a review of school safety measures and continued strengthening of guidance and counseling services, noting that every child deserves to feel safe and protected in school.
Senate sets July 1 probe into online radicalization amid shooting
Sen. Risa Hontiveros called for a thorough investigation and reiterated that schools must remain safe spaces.
“Schools are safe spaces at dapat manatili silang ligtas na lugar upang makapag-aral ang ating mga estudyante nang malaya at walang pangamba,” she said.
Hontiveros said the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality will reopen its inquiry on child safety in digital spaces on July 1 following the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City, with online radicalization among children now under sharper scrutiny.
The panel will examine whether online platforms and gaming spaces are doing enough to prevent the spread of violent content and the grooming of minors.
“Sa July 1, muli nating bubuksan ang pagdinig para alamin kung may papel ang mga online platforms sa pagkalat ng mararahas na ideya. Nagiging pugad ng mga grupong nambe-brainwash at nagra-radicalize sa mga bata,” Hontiveros said.
The hearing follows the committee’s April 14 investigation, where lawmakers discussed allegations that online platforms and gaming spaces have been used to groom, manipulate and radicalize children into violence.
They also tackled concerns involving online sexual abuse, exploitation, grooming and extortion of minors.
“Kung ginagamit ang internet para biktimahin ang mga bata, dapat may managot. Hindi pwedeng kita lang lagi ang iniisip ng Big Tech habang ang ating mga pamilya at paaralan ay nababalot ng trahedya,” Hontiveros said.
She said the inquiry seeks to determine whether sufficient safeguards are in place to protect children online, stressing that authorities should act before another tragedy occurs.
