SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to urgently bolster school security following a concerning surge in violent stabbing incidents involving students across the country.

Gatchalian expressed alarm over recent violence at San Pablo City Science Integrated High School in Laguna and SIR Elementary School in Davao City, both occurring just days after a similar violent clash in Cagayan de Oro City.

The senator emphasized that heightened physical security must be paired with active support systems, particularly the full execution of the School-Based Mental Health Program and existing anti-bullying regulations.

To back these efforts, Gatchalian committed to securing sufficient funding under the proposed 2027 national budget,reiterating that the safety, security, and emotional well-being of learners should remain a topmost priority.

While acknowledging the complex challenges of shielding children from violence, Gatchalian underscored that decisive,proactive measures are necessary to curb campus aggression and build safer learning spaces nationwide.