DepEd Sounds Alarm on School Violence, Calls for Coordinated Safety Plan

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Department of Education-Western Visayas is urging stronger coordination among schools, local government units, law enforcement and parents following two student stabbing incidents in Iloilo and Antique.

DepEd-6 information officer Hernani Escullar Jr. said the regional office has ordered schools division superintendents to create intervention plans in response to the July 2 stabbing at San Joaquin School of Fisheries in Iloilo and the July 3 incident at Antique National School in San Jose de Buenavista.

“Given that students were the victims, we consider this alarming—even if only one student was involved in each case,” Escullar told the Daily Guardian in a phone interview.

He stressed that schools must remain safe spaces and that protecting learners is the department’s top priority.

DepEd-6 has called on division heads to work with LGUs and the Philippine National Police, particularly in schools identified as potential hotspots for bullying or violence.

“If a school has a large student population or frequent reports of bullying, the risk of escalation increases,” Escullar said.

“We must proactively address those areas.”

He also reminded school heads and advisers to monitor students closely and report concerns to the school’s Child Protection Committee or the Learner Rights Protection Office.

These offices are responsible for investigating reports and implementing appropriate interventions.

Escullar emphasized the critical role parents play in early detection and prevention.

He urged them to observe their children’s behavior, attitude and belongings to spot warning signs.

“We call on parents to check on their children—ask if they’re okay, if they’re being bullied or abused,” he said.

“We’re limited in what we can do without violating students’ rights, but parents have the ultimate responsibility to protect them.”

When concerns arise, school officials—including guidance counselors, CPC members and LRPO staff—are available to support both victims and perpetrators.

Escullar said students cleared to continue schooling will be offered alternative learning options to ensure academic continuity.

Psychological first aid will also be provided to victims, perpetrators and witnesses to reduce trauma and emotional distress.

On July 2 in Iloilo, a 15-year-old Grade 10 student was stabbed in the abdomen by a 13-year-old Grade 7 student during a weeding activity, reportedly due to a long-standing conflict and teasing.

The following day, in Antique, a confrontation between student groups over a missing cellphone led to another stabbing as they headed to the guidance office.

A 15-year-old Grade 10 student allegedly retrieved a knife from a classmate’s bag and stabbed two students—a 15-year-old Grade 7 student and a 17-year-old Grade 12 student.

The Grade 7 student sustained a stab wound to the right side of the body, while the Grade 12 student suffered a minor abdominal injury and has since been discharged from the hospital.