SENATOR Mark Villar is calling for a more comprehensive approach to school safety following the shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

Villar said strengthening school security should go hand in hand with the early identification of potential threats, emergency preparedness, guidance services, psychosocial support, and immediate intervention for students.

He said it was deeply troubling that violence occurred inside a place where young people should feel safe and protected.

“No parent should have to fear that their child may not come home safely from school,” Villar said, emphasizing that schools must remain safe spaces where students can learn, grow, and pursue their dreams without fear.

The senator stressed that authorities should not wait for another person to be injured or killed before taking action.

Villar renewed his call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2321, or the proposed LIGTAS Act, which seeks to establish a comprehensive school safety and security system for basic education institutions nationwide.

The measure includes stronger systems for threat detection and reporting, closer coordination between schools and law enforcement agencies, emergency response protocols, prompt notification of parents, first-aid preparedness, regular emergency drills, and crisis counseling.

Villar also highlighted Senate Bill No. 2133, or the proposed Students’ Guidance Counseling Act, which seeks to strengthen guidance and school-based mental health services.

The bill aims to make qualified professionals, preventive programs, referral mechanisms, and appropriate interventions more accessible to students.

Villar said these measures are essential to ensuring that schools remain secure environments where children can pursue their education without fear of violence.