SENATOR Mark Villar has condemned the fatal stabbing of a Grade 9 student inside Las Piñas National High School, saying the tragedy highlights the urgent need to strengthen safety and security measures in schools nationwide.

In a statement, Villar said schools must remain safe spaces where students can learn and pursue their dreams without fear of violence.

“Our schools must always be places of safety, learning, and hope—not places where our children are exposed to violence and danger. No student should ever have to fear for their safety while pursuing their education and dreams,” he said.

The senator extended his condolences to the victim’s family and said his office is providing assistance and support as they cope with the tragedy.

Villar also called on local authorities and concerned government agencies to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to ensure accountability. At the same time, he urged the implementation of stronger security measures to prevent similar incidents.

He likewise appealed to schools, parents, teachers, and communities to work together in promoting respect, empathy, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts among young people.

According to Villar, the incident underscores the urgency of passing his proposed Senate Bill No. 2321, or the Learning Institution’s Guaranteed Threat Avoidance and Safety (LIGTAS) Act.

The measure seeks to enhance school safety by increasing police visibility around educational institutions, establishing coordinated threat assessment protocols, creating direct emergency hotlines linking schools with police, fire, and emergency response units, ensuring the immediate notification of parents during student emergencies, and requiring schools to maintain adequate first-aid equipment, trained medical personnel, and security guards.

The bill also mandates the strategic installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, appropriate security screening systems, and comprehensive safety and security training for students, teachers, and school personnel.

Villar said that while nothing can bring back the life of the victim, authorities and lawmakers must act decisively to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.

He stressed that every Filipino child has the right to study in a safe, secure, and violence-free learning environment.