Several senators expressed grief, condemnation, and urgent calls for action following the fatal shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte, where multiple students were reported killed and several others injured.

The incident has raised renewed concerns over school safety and youth violence in the country.

Senate President Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian described the incident as “alarming” and called for immediate action to ensure justice and prevent further violence in schools.

He also urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to provide psychosocial support to affected students, teachers, and staff and to tighten security measures in schools.

Sen. Bam Aquino said schools must remain safe spaces for learners and not places of fear, stressing the need to prevent similar incidents.

“Kailangan na ang ating mga eskwelahan ay manatiling mga lugar ng kaligtasan,” Aquino said, adding that Congress is currently tackling the proposed School Safety Act to strengthen protections against bullying and other threats.

Sen. Kiko Pangilinan strongly condemned the attack and urged strict implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Law, especially amid reports that the suspects were minors.

“Walang lugar ang karahasan sa ating lipunan,” Pangilinan said, calling for accountability of both offenders and potentially negligent parents under existing laws.

Sen. Bong Go expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for a “full and immediate investigation” into how firearms were brought into the school.

“It is deeply troubling that our students are exposed to such unnecessary risks,” Go said, adding that authorities must also address reports that the suspects are minors and review existing youth justice policies.

Meanwhile, Sen. Camille Villar extended sympathy to grieving families and emphasized the need to strengthen school safety and mental health support for students.

“No magulang ang dapat mawalan ng anak sa isang lugar na dapat ay ligtas,” Villar said, calling for stronger preventive measures in schools.

Sen. Mark Villar also condemned the attack, calling it a tragedy that should not happen in learning institutions, and urged swift justice for the victims.

He stressed the need for psychological support services, including counseling for students and school personnel affected by the incident.

Authorities are continuing investigations into the shooting as lawmakers push for tighter school security and policy reforms aimed at preventing similar tragedies.