Following two separate stabbing incidents in Cavite and one shooting incident in Tacloban City, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) pushed for strengthened school safety and child protection measures.
In a statement released Monday, June 22, the CWC strongly condemned all forms of violence involving children and expressed grave concern over the incidents related to school violence.
“These incidents have resulted in injuries, the loss of young lives, and deep emotional distress among learners, families, school communities, and the public,” the CWC stressed.
The organization emphasized that schools must remain safe spaces where children can “learn, develop, and thrive free from fear, violence and harm.” Moreover, the CWC stated that protecting children requires constant vigilance and a sustained, whole-of-government and whole-of-city response.
“These incidents underscore the urgent need to further strengthen school-based child protection mechanisms, mental health programs, violence prevention initiatives, and early intervention systems,” the CWC wrote.
“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,” it added.
The organization also extended its deepest condolences to the family of the children who tragically passed and prayed for the full and speedy recovery of all injured learners. They also called for an immediate provision of comprehensive medical, psychosocial and mental health support to all affected learners, families, teachers, and school personnel.
A fatal shooting incident in a school in Tacloban City left four individuals dead and several others wounded. Two of the reported perpetrators were minors and are now in custody. The school shooting follows two separate stabbing incidents in Cavite.
On June 16, a Grade 8 student reportedly stabbed seven Grade 5 students in a private school in General Trias City, Cavite. On June 20, another stabbing incident occurred at Cavite National High School in Cavite City, after a Grade 11 student allegedly stabbed a fellow student following a confrontation inside school premises.
