THE ALLIANCE of Concerned Teachers-National Capital Region Union expressed concern over the killing of a student in Quezon City but warned against using the incident to heighten police presence in schools.

“We note with great concern the unfortunate act of violence in our school. Quality education cannot occur in an atmosphere of anxiety, fear, and insecurity,” ACT-NCR Union said in a statement.

The group expressed its condolences to the family of a 13-year-old Grade 7 student who died after he was allegedly stabbed by his classmate inside Culiat High School in Quezon City on Friday.

“We hope that the unfortunate incident will not be exploited as a pretext for a blanket order to heighten police presence and interference in schools,” the group said.

“Educators in NCR stand with the community to continue to do their part so that all students can enjoy safe and nurturing school environments free from bullying and violence,” it said.

The group also extended its sympathy to the community of Culiat High School affected by the incident.

“We thank the school administration for promptly acting on the incident as they commit to take the necessary steps to provide counseling services for teachers and students, with the support of concerned offices of the Department of Education,” it said.

“As a teacher union, we also commit to boost further our efforts in educating our students on the consequences of bullying and school-related violence, and intensify our efforts to foster a culture of dialogue, peace, respect for human rights and zero-tolerance to violence,” the group added.