The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has strongly condemned the shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on Monday that claimed the lives of three students.
"We condemn this senseless act of violence in the strongest possible terms," PAOCC said in a statement on Monday.
According to a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort, the commission described the attack as an assault on public order and the entire community, stressing that schools should remain sacred places of learning and safety.
"Schools must always be sacred, safe spaces where children can learn, grow, and thrive without fear for their lives," it said.
"An attack on a school is an attack on the peace of our entire community, and such brutality has absolutely no place in our society," it added.
The PAOCC extended its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, expressing sympathy for those affected by the tragic incident.
"We express our deepest, most profound condolences to the families, friends, and classmates of the victims tragically lost in the horrific shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City. Our hearts break for the families grieving an unimaginable loss, and our prayers are with those who were injured, wishing them a swift and full recovery," it added.
PAOCC called on law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families.
"We commend the law enforcement agencies for their swift action in apprehending suspects, and we call for a thorough, immediate investigation to ensure that justice is completely served," the PAOCC said.
The commission also urged local government authorities, school administrators, and community leaders to work together in strengthening security measures in schools to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In addition, PAOCC emphasized the need to provide immediate psychological support to students and faculty members who may have been traumatized by the shooting.
Authorities have already arrested two suspects, both Grade 9 students aged 14 and 15, in connection with the attack.
Investigators are also examining the clothing worn by one of the suspects, which reportedly resembled attire used by several school shooters involved in incidents abroad.
