Senator Christopher “Bong” Go called for stronger security measures and a comprehensive investigation following the deadly shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato on Friday, which left three students dead and several others injured.
Authorities have confirmed three fatalities, including the suspected shooter, while reports on the number of injured have varied as medical assessments continued.
In a statement, Go expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called on government agencies to act on recurring incidents of violence in schools.
“Nakakagalit at napakasakit sa damdamin ang walang saysay na pamamaril sa ating mga kabataang estudyante sa isa na namang insidente sa pampublikong paaralan,” Go said.
Go also offered assistance through his office to the victims and their families, saying he would support efforts toward justice and the immediate recovery of those injured.
He also addressed the Executive Department, Department of Education, Philippine National Police 9PNP) and other law enforcement agencies.
“Panahon na para gawan ninyo ito ng paraan. Magtulungan po tayong lahat,” he said.
The senator said the Banga shooting highlights the need for stronger preventive measures in schools and urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and hold accountable those responsible.
“Nananawagan din ako para sa isang masusi at kumpletong imbestigasyon, at panagutin ang mga dapat managot. Umaapela rin ako sa mga kinauukulang ahensya ng pamahalaan na maglatag ng mas epektibong precautionary at pinalakas na security measures sa lahat ng paaralan sa buong bansa. Huwag na nating hintayin ang panibagong insidente bago kumilos,” he said.
Go also pointed to his legislative proposal, Senate Bill No. 2413, or the proposed Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Bill, which seeks to establish a comprehensive national framework for school safety.
His office previously said the measure aims to protect students, teachers and school personnel from violence and other threats.
Go said the government must ensure that schools remain safe spaces for students.
“This senseless series of school shootings and violence against our students must end now. As I have said before, and I say it again: our schools must be zones of peace and learning. Dapat kampante ang mga magulang sa bawat araw na pumapasok ang kanilang mga anak sa silid-aralan. Dapat walang takot na pumapasok ang ating mga estudyante sa kanilang klase upang mag-aral para sa mas maliwanag na kinabukasan,” he said.
He emphasized that protecting children inside schools is a responsibility that extends beyond providing education.
“It is the government’s solemn responsibility to ensure the education of our children and to see them someday wearing their graduation togas not to see their dreams stolen, their lives cut short, and their bodies mourned and buried,” he said.
Go also called for collective action to address violence in schools.
“Hindi ito ang larawan ng isang lipunang tunay na nag-aaruga sa kanyang mamamayan. Kaya gawin natin ang lahat ng nararapat upang tuldukan na ang karahasang ito at maibalik ang kapayapaan sa ating mga paaralan,” he said.
