CHR demands probe into Zamboanga school shooting, tighter gun controls

MANILA — The Commission on Human Rights has demanded a thorough probe into a shooting incident at a school in Zamboanga that resulted in the deaths of two minors, while pressing for enhanced gun control measures nationwide.

In a statement released Wednesday, the CHR emphasized that preventing such tragedies requires a multi-faceted approach centered on strengthening school safety protocols and implementing stricter child protection mechanisms.

The agency's call comes as policymakers and rights advocates grapple with recurring incidents of gun violence affecting young people in schools and communities across the country. The CHR's position underscores growing concerns about access to firearms and their potential misuse in settings where children gather.

Beyond the immediate investigation, the commission highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies addressing both the availability of weapons and the safety infrastructure within educational institutions. Officials stressed that any response must prioritize protecting vulnerable populations, particularly minors, from firearm-related harm.

The development signals renewed attention to gun control debates in the Philippines, where various stakeholders continue to advocate for measures aimed at reducing violence and creating safer environments for children and young people.