SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has called for swift action to address what he described as a persistent culture of violence among Filipino youth, following the circulation of a viral video showing students physically assaulting two schoolmates in Koronadal City.

“I am deeply alarmed by the viral video of some learners physically attacking two schoolmates,” Gatchalian said. “It is clear that the culture of violence remains among our students. If we don’t put a stop to it now, then when?”

The senator urged a whole-of-community approach to addressing youth violence, calling on local governments, schools, and parents to collaborate closely in preventing such incidents.

He reiterated the need to fully implement existing laws aimed at instilling positive values and promoting mental well-being among students.

Among these are the GMRC and Values Education Act, which aims to teach good manners and right conduct from an early age, and the Basic Education and Mental Health Well-Being Promotion Act, which strengthens mental health support in schools.

“This is a wake-up call,” he said. “We need proactive and preventive measures in our schools and communities to ensure our learners grow up in a safe, nurturing environment.”