SENATE President Sherwin Gatchalian expressed alarm and outrage over a shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on Monday that left three students dead and five others injured.

Gatchalian condemned the violence, stressing that schools must remain safe spaces for learning.

“I am deeply alarmed and outraged by the school shooting incident this morning at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, which claimed the lives of three learners and wounded five others,” he said.

The Senate leader noted that authorities have already apprehended one of the suspects, a 15-year-old Grade 9 student, and urged law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to arrest the remaining suspect and ensure that justice is swiftly served.

Gatchalian also cited a series of recent violent incidents in schools, including separate stabbing cases in Cavite last week that left seven students injured.

He said the string of violent acts in educational institutions is deeply troubling and underscores the need for immediate and coordinated action from government agencies and school authorities.

The Senate President called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to provide immediate psychosocial support and interventions for affected learners, teachers, and school personnel.

He likewise urged the agency to strengthen security measures in schools nationwide to help prevent similar incidents from happening.

Gatchalian emphasized the importance of protecting students and maintaining a safe learning environment, saying schools must remain places where children can learn, grow, and thrive free from fear and violence.