Catholic educators and Church leaders called for deeper reflection on the well-being and formation of young people after a school shooting in Tacloban City left three students dead and at least 15 others wounded.
The June 22 attack at San Jose National High School in the central Philippine province of Leyte shocked local communities and prompted renewed concern over bullying, youth violence, and the influences shaping young people.
In a statement, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) expressed “profound alarm and deep sorrow” over the shooting and another recent campus stabbing incident.
“These tragic events, which claimed lives and inflicted serious injuries, mark a harrowing escalation from bullying and peer conflicts to outright killings,” CEAP said.
“Schools, meant to be sanctuaries of learning, growth, and formation, are now turning into places of fear and violence,” it added.
The association said the incidents highlighted the need for reforms that look beyond academic achievement and workforce preparation.
It called on the government, the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education and other stakeholders to pursue “urgent, holistic reform that prioritizes integral human development over purely technical goals.”
Archbishop John Du of Palo also expressed shock and grief over “ the horrific act of violence and the tragic loss of innocent lives” during the school shooting incident.
The prelate said the tragedy should prompt reflection among families, communities, and the nation.
“This tragedy challenges us all to reflect on how we (our nation, our families, and communities) have raised our children and young people and on the values we have imparted to them,” he said.
The archbishop urged people to “unite and work together that this kind of tragedy will never happen again.”
San Jose Parish, located near the school, called on the faithful to pray for those affected. “We unite in prayer for everyone affected by today’s tragic incident,” the parish said.
“May we find strength in faith, compassion in our hearts, and hope in God who remains close to the brokenhearted,” even amid violence and uncertainty,” it added.
Police said two students, aged 14 and 15, were taken into custody after the shooting.
Authorities said the attack appeared to have been planned. National police spokesperson Allen Rae Co told reporters that investigators were examining reports of bullying as well as possible online influences.
“Based on our initial investigation, (the 14-year-old) was heavily influenced by online content,” Co said.
“Aside from his posts of violent videos… We saw some indications that there is a group that might have influenced him to do this,” he said.
Police also disclosed that the younger suspect had previously been brought to a firing range and was familiar with handling firearms.
The Tacloban city government said it was coordinating with concerned agencies to provide psychological first aid to affected students, teachers, and parents while strengthening security measures in schools.
Classes across Tacloban City were suspended as authorities continued their investigation, and schools grappled with the aftermath of one of the deadliest school attacks in recent Philippine history. – with reports from Agence France-Presse
