MANILA, Philippines – Panel chairperson Risa Hontiveros has called for a Senate investigation into the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City, saying the tragedy demands urgent action and a deeper examination of the issues affecting the country’s students. The Senate hearing is scheduled for July 1 and is expected to tackle not only the circumstances surrounding the incident but also the broader concerns of school safety, bullying, mental health, and youth violence.
The shocking incident at San Jose National High School has left the entire nation grieving. For many Filipinos, it was difficult to imagine that such violence could happen inside a school—a place that parents trust to be safe for their children.
As authorities continue their investigation, lawmakers are now looking at what can be done to ensure that similar tragedies never happen again.
Panel Chairperson Risa Hontiveros Wants a Full Accounting of What Happened
Panel chairperson Risa Hontiveros, who heads the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, said the Senate inquiry would seek answers to several important questions.
How did the suspects gain access to firearms? Were there warning signs that may have been overlooked? Could stronger interventions from schools or communities have prevented the tragedy?
These are among the issues that the Senate panel intends to discuss during the July 1 hearing.
The senator said the country owes it to the victims and their families to understand how such an incident unfolded and what measures are needed to prevent another tragedy.
“We need to know what happened and why it happened,” Hontiveros said in announcing the planned Senate probe.
The hearing is expected to gather officials from the Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units, child protection advocates, and mental health experts.
A School Community Forever Changed
The shooting inside San Jose National High School sent shockwaves not only across Tacloban City but throughout the country.
According to police reports, three students lost their lives while several others were injured during the attack. The incident happened inside the school premises, turning what should have been a normal school day into a nightmare for students, teachers, and parents.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as students rushed to safety after hearing gunshots.
For many parents, the tragedy has brought a new sense of fear.
Schools are supposed to be places where children learn, make friends, and prepare for their future. Instead, the Tacloban incident has raised difficult questions about whether enough is being done to keep students safe.
The families of the victims are now left to deal with unimaginable grief, while survivors continue to cope with the emotional trauma caused by the incident.
Panel Chairperson Risa Hontiveros Says the Country Must Learn From the Tragedy
For panel chairperson Risa Hontiveros, the upcoming Senate inquiry is not simply about determining who should be held accountable.
She said the investigation should also focus on the deeper issues that may have contributed to the incident, including bullying, mental health struggles, and the lack of support systems for young people facing emotional and social challenges.
Experts have long warned that violence among young people can sometimes be linked to unresolved emotional issues, family problems, and experiences of bullying or isolation.
The senator said it is important to determine whether there were signs that could have been addressed before the situation escalated into violence.
“We need to understand the root causes so that we can prevent similar incidents in the future,” Hontiveros stressed.
Calls Grow for Better School Security and Mental Health Programs
Following the shooting, educators and child advocates renewed calls for stronger safety measures in schools.
Some groups are urging the government to improve security protocols, including emergency response systems and better coordination between schools and law enforcement agencies.
Others believe that more attention should be given to the mental health needs of students.
In recent years, there has been growing concern over the emotional well-being of young Filipinos. Experts have repeatedly emphasized the need for accessible counseling services and stronger support systems inside schools.
Panel chairperson Risa Hontiveros said these concerns would likely be among the major topics during the Senate hearing.
The senator noted that protecting children goes beyond physical security. It also means ensuring that students have access to guidance, counseling, and safe environments where they can seek help when they are struggling.
Government Agencies Ordered to Conduct Thorough Investigation
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has already directed concerned government agencies to conduct a full investigation into the shooting.
Malacañang expressed sympathy for the victims and their families while assuring the public that authorities would leave no stone unturned in uncovering the facts surrounding the case.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education said it would provide assistance and psychosocial support to affected students, teachers, and families.
Counselors and mental health professionals are expected to continue helping survivors and witnesses who may still be experiencing trauma from the incident.
Panel Chairperson Risa Hontiveros Pushes for Long-Term Reforms
As preparations for the July 1 hearing continue, panel chairperson Risa Hontiveros said the Senate inquiry could lead to policy changes that would strengthen child protection and school safety measures nationwide.
The senator said the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for everyone—not just lawmakers, but also schools, parents, and communities.
Preventing school violence requires a collective effort, she said.
It means listening to young people, identifying problems early, and making sure that children who need help receive the support they deserve.
For many Filipinos, the Tacloban school shooting is a painful reminder that even schools are not immune to violence.
As the country mourns the lives lost, there is also hope that the tragedy will lead to meaningful reforms that can make schools safer for future generations.
The Senate investigation led by panel chairperson Risa Hontiveros is expected to be an important first step toward finding answers—and ensuring that no family has to endure the same heartbreak again.
For more news and updates, visit Metro Balita Ph.
