SENATORIAL candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay urged caution in responding to recent incidents of violence in some Metro Manila public schools, emphasizing that excessive security measures could do more harm than good.

Binay made the remarks in response to viral videos showing student-on-student violence linked to bullying.

She said that implementing body searches and other airport-style security protocols would only create a culture of fear among students.

“Schools should not feel like war zones. We don’t want to foster an environment where children are afraid to go to school,” she said.

Binay also pointed out that, unlike the U.S., the Philippines has not experienced mass school shootings.

“These recent incidents are isolated and do not justify extreme measures,” she added.

The mayor called on school administrators, faculty, community leaders, parents, and guardians to work together in keeping schools safe, primarily through the effective enforcement of the Anti-Bullying Act.

“Creating safe learning spaces requires sustained, strategic collaboration among all stakeholders—school administrators, teachers, security guards, parents and guardians, even barangay peacekeepers and the police,” she said.

Binay also underscored the vital role of parents and guardians in preventing bullying and related violence.

“I urge parents and guardians to closely monitor their children—for signs of being bullied, or behaviors that suggest they might be the aggressor. Be actively involved in school activities that raise awareness about bullying and educate your children on how to protect themselves through peaceful, lawful means,” she said.

Binay further emphasized the urgency of addressing the severe shortage of guidance counselors, as highlighted by the Second Congressional Commission on Education, in light of the rising number of bullying cases.

“Guidance counselors play a crucial role in ensuring school safety. Policy changes are needed to attract highly qualified professionals to fill these vacancies,” she said.