SENATOR Bam Aquino on Thursday vowed to pursue key reforms aimed at preventing violence in schools following a deadly shooting incident in Tacloban City that left several students dead.

Aquino said he traveled to Tacloban on Wednesday to personally extend his condolences to the families of the victims and visit injured students who are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.

During his visit, the senator said he received information about a possible threat of another violent incident targeting a different school in Leyte.

According to Aquino, the information was immediately relayed to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who promptly ordered an investigation and the necessary interventions.

“I am grateful to Secretary Jonvic and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for their swift response in addressing and preventing the reported threat,” Aquino said.

The senator noted that families of both the victims and injured students raised two primary concerns: securing justice for those affected and ensuring that similar incidents do not happen again.

In response, Aquino pledged to push for the passage of the proposed School Safety Act, which seeks to strengthen protection measures for students and educational institutions.

He also expressed support for reviewing and amending the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, as well as imposing a ban on social media use for children below 15 years old.

Aquino said these proposals form part of a broader set of reforms being considered to address school safety and promote the welfare of young people.

As chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Aquino vowed to champion legislative measures aimed at safeguarding students and creating a safer learning environment across the country.