SENATE President Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday called for stronger school safety measures and stricter firearm storage protocols following the shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato.

In a privilege speech, Gatchalian said the Banga incident marked the third school shooting in the country this year.

He noted that the firearms used in all three incidents were reportedly owned by government employees or law enforcement personnel.

Gatchalian urged authorities to review policies governing the issuance, safekeeping and storage of firearms by government personnel, stressing that children should never have access to deadly weapons.

“Re-examine standards for safekeeping, storage, and ensure that access to weapons never reaches untrained hands, especially children,” Gatchalian said.

The Senate leader reiterated his call for stronger school safety legislation and more responsible gun ownership to help prevent similar incidents and better protect students and school communities.