DepEd chief pushes campus security overhaul after school shooting

MANILA — Education Secretary Sonny Angara visited Banga National High School on Saturday to assess security measures and coordinate response efforts in the aftermath of a fatal campus shooting, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive safety reforms across Philippine schools.

During his visit, Angara met with school administrators, parents, community leaders, and police officials to identify security vulnerabilities and strengthen emergency protocols. The Education Secretary emphasized that protecting students and faculty requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach involving law enforcement, local government units, and school management.

Beyond physical security upgrades, Angara stressed the importance of proactive mental health support systems in educational institutions. He called for schools to establish or strengthen counseling services and crisis intervention programs to identify at-risk individuals and provide timely assistance.

The incident has reignited discussions about school safety in the Philippines, where educational facilities have increasingly become focal points for security concerns. Education officials are expected to review existing safety protocols nationwide and develop enhanced guidelines for all public and private schools.