SENATOR Imee Marcos has called for heightened security measures in schools following the fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, saying stronger safeguards are needed to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.

Marcos expressed grief over the June 23 shooting, which claimed the lives of three students and injured several others, describing the incident as especially painful for her as a Waray.

She said the tragedy should prompt authorities to look beyond the shooting itself and investigate how the firearms were obtained, identify security lapses in schools, and examine the possible influence of online games on young people.

The senator recalled that the Senate had previously conducted an inquiry into the online gaming platform Roblox and the potential risks it poses to children.

She said parents continue to face challenges in monitoring their children’s activities on the platform due to what she described as a complicated and user-unfriendly interface.

Marcos noted that Roblox had been given three months to address the concerns raised during the Senate inquiry, warning that if the platform cannot be effectively regulated, its operations should be suspended.

She also stressed the need to strengthen security in both public and private schools following the Tacloban shooting and separate stabbing incidents reported in schools in Cavite.

Marcos said authorities should assess whether existing school security measures remain adequate and consider implementing stricter screening procedures, expanding the use of CCTV cameras, establishing clear emergency response protocols, and, where budgets permit, installing metal detectors or conducting bag inspections.

The senator also urged lawmakers to review the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act and examine the accountability of parents, guardians, and other adults who may have failed in their responsibilities.

Marcos said expressions of sympathy alone are not enough, emphasizing that thorough investigations, clear accountability, and meaningful reforms are necessary to ensure that tragedies like those in Tacloban, Cavite, and other schools across the country are never repeated.