Education Secretary Sonny Angara called for a whole-of-nation approach to campus safety and youth well-being as he led emergency intervention efforts in Zamboanga City following an incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School on Wednesday.
Angara met with university officials led by President Fr. Guillrey Anthony M. Andal, SJ, Zamboanga City local government officials, and representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) for a joint security briefing to assess campus protocols and strengthen emergency measures.
Together with Department of Education (DepEd) officials, Angara extended his deepest condolences to the grieving families and the entire Ateneo de Zamboanga community. He emphasized that learner safety and youth welfare are shared concerns that go beyond the distinction between public and private schools.
“Dapat natin i-approach itong problema bilang isang komunidad, dahil problema ito hindi lang ng isang eskwelahan pero palagay ko problema ito ng ating kabataan, ng komunidad, at ng bawat komunidad sa buong bansa,” Angara said.
During discussions with school officials and local authorities, Angara stressed that physical security measures such as perimeter fences, CCTV cameras, metal detectors, and increased police visibility must be complemented by active community engagement and strong emotional support systems.
“Tinitignan natin hindi lang seguridad, hindi lang bakod, hindi lang CCTV, hindi lang metal detector. Importante din iyon, pero importante din ang mag-reach out ang ating komunidad starting sa school communities,” he said.
Angara encouraged teachers and school personnel to actively engage with learners, emphasizing the role of schools as safe and supportive spaces.
“Talagang makihalubilo tayo sa ating mga estudyante, kilalanin natin sila, kumustahin natin sila. Kasi ang silbi talaga ng eskwelahan hindi lang magturo, kung hindi parang pangalawang tahanan,” he added.
The Education Secretary also highlighted the importance of family involvement in keeping children safe, urging parents to remain attentive to their children’s well-being. He noted that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has repeatedly emphasized the need to create welcoming school environments where teachers check on learners and older students can serve as protective kuya and ate to their schoolmates.
As part of the immediate security response, the PNP will increase police visibility around school perimeters, while barangay tanods will help reinforce security, particularly in schools without dedicated security guards.
Angara likewise called for stronger socio-emotional learning and mental health initiatives in schools. Psychosocial support interventions are currently being provided to individuals affected by the incident by the university.
He also met with school principals from the Zamboanga City Schools Division Office to discuss frontline operational concerns, including classroom shortages and concrete measures to further strengthen campus security.
Protecting learners’ privacy and dignity
Addressing the online aftermath of the incident, Angara urged the public, digital content creators, and news organizations to practice responsible digital behavior and protect the privacy and dignity of minors.
“Ang pagprotekta sa mga bata ay nangangahulugan din ng pagprotekta sa kanilang privacy at dignidad,” Angara said, citing reports of unverified rumors and graphic content circulating online.
“Ang pagpapakalat ng mga hindi kumpirmadong detalye, sensitibong larawan, o marahas na video ay lalo lamang nagpapalalim ng trauma at nagdudulot ng karagdagang dalamhati sa mga nagdadalamhating pamilya, mga batang mag-aaral, at mga empleyado ng paaralan.”
DepEd urged the public to immediately stop sharing sensitive images and unverified accounts and to give affected families the dignity, space, and privacy they need during this difficult period.
As the police investigation continues, Angara also appealed to the public and media to refrain from drawing premature conclusions while authorities establish the facts.
DepEd continues to coordinate with local government units, security forces, private school associations, and mental health professionals to provide sustained support and strengthen safety measures in schools nationwide.
