CWC calls for stronger school safety, child protection amid Tacloban school shooting

The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) on Monday called for stronger school safety and child protection mechanisms in the wake of the school shooting incident in Tacloban City and recent stabbing incidents in Cavite.

In a statement, the CWC – an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) expressed its strong condemnation and grave concern over the recent violent incidents reported in schools.

“These incidents have resulted in injuries, the loss of young lives, and deep emotional distress among learners, families, school communities, and the public,” it said.

The CWC stressed that schools “must remain safe spaces where children can learn, develop, and thrive free from fear, violence, and harm.”

“The occurrence of these violent incidents within educational settings serves as a serious reminder that protecting children requires constant vigilance and a sustained, whole-of-government and whole-of-society response,” the agency said.

The incidents also underscored the “urgent need to further strengthen school-based child protection mechanisms, mental health programs, violence prevention initiatives, and early intervention systems.”

“Schools must be adequately supported with guidance services, psychosocial support programs, child protection structures, and referral mechanisms capable of identifying risks, addressing behavioral concerns, and preventing violence before it occurs,” the CWC added.

The agency made the remarks amid the school shooting incident in Tacloban City that left three dead and 11 injured on Monday morning. Two of the minor-aged suspects are in custody.

Before this, a Grade 8 learner allegedly entered a Grade 5 classroom at a private school in General Trias City, Cavite on June 16 and stabbed seven learners.

A few days later on June 20, a Grade 11 learner allegedly stabbed a schoolmate following a confrontation inside the premises of a public high school in Cavite City.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is treating the stabbing incidents in Cavite as isolated cases.

The CWC extended its sympathies to the families of the children who were killed in the Tacloban City school shooting.

“We call for the immediate provision of comprehensive medical, psychosocial, and mental health support to all affected learners, families, teachers, and school personnel. Beyond physical injuries, the emotional and psychological impact of these incidents must be addressed through timely and sustained interventions,” it said.

It welcomed and supported President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for a thorough investigation of the school shooting incident in Tacloban City, as well as the ongoing probes of the stabbing incidents in Cavite.

The CWC stressed that children in conflict with the law (CICL) should not be treated as criminals, but as children requiring intervention and protection under Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

It said concerned government agencies, local government units (LGUs), educational institutions, communities, parents, and caregivers should work together in creating environments where all children feel safe, heard, supported, and protected.

“Preventing violence requires more than security measures alone. It requires strengthening relationships, promoting emotional well-being, teaching peaceful conflict resolution, addressing bullying and behavioral concerns, and ensuring that children who may be experiencing difficulties receive timely and appropriate support,” the CWC added.

It urged the public to immediately report incidents of violence, abuse, bullying, neglect, exploitation, or any situation that places a child at risk to the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 through the following mechanisms:

• Call 1383
• Smart: 0919-354-1383 | Globe: 0915-802-2375
• Chat via Makabata Helpline 1383 Facebook and Instagram Email: makabatahelpline@cwc.gov.ph
• Report through the eGovPH app of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and select “child abuse.”

— JMA, GMA News