Sen. Bam Aquino confirmed that he relayed a tip to authorities about a planned school attack in Leyte on Wednesday night, prompting a swift response that helped prevent possible violence.

Aquino said he received information at around 8 p.m. Wednesday that a 14-year-old Grade 10 student, identified by the alias “Jasmine,” had threatened to carry out a shooting and stabbing attack at Tolosa National High School that same night.

The senator said he was in Tacloban City to visit families of students killed in a recent school shooting and to check on injured victims in hospitals when he received the tip.

He said he immediately passed the information to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who ordered an urgent investigation.

Authorities, including members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), acted quickly to address the threat, Aquino said, preventing what could have been another incident of school violence in the province.

Aquino thanked law enforcement for their prompt response, noting the heightened risk of copycat attacks following the recent shooting in Tacloban.

“Nagpapasalamat kami kay Sec. Jonvic at sa Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) sa mabilis nilang pagkilos para mapigil ang nasabing banta," Aquino said in a statement released Thursday, June 25.

During his visit, Aquino said victims’ families raised two main concerns: justice for those killed and ensuring such violence does not happen again in schools.

The senator said he would push for stronger safety measures, including the proposed School Safety Act, to better protect students.

“Asahan niyo po ang aming pagsulong ng School Safety Act para masiguro ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kabataan.”

He also expressed support for reviewing and amending the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, focusing on accountability and prevention, as well as proposals to restrict social media access for children under 15.

Aquino said his committee on basic education is committed to advancing reforms aimed at improving school safety and protecting young people nationwide.