Culture & Entertainment · Philippines Bureau
DepEd mobilizes counseling services after Zamboanga school shooting
The Department of Education has directed its Zamboanga Peninsula office to provide mental health support following a fatal shooting at a junior high school. Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed condolences to affected families and communities.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Department of Education has activated psychosocial support services in Zamboanga Peninsula following a deadly shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School that occurred early Tuesday morning. The intervention aims to assist students, teachers and families impacted by the tragedy.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara issued a statement extending condolences to the grieving families affected by the incident. The agency has instructed its regional office to coordinate comprehensive mental health and counseling services for all those traumatized by the school shooting.
The move reflects the DepEd's commitment to providing immediate psychological assistance to school communities in crisis. School counselors and trained mental health professionals have been mobilized to address the emotional and psychological needs of survivors and witnesses.
The shooting has prompted renewed discussions about campus safety and security measures in educational institutions across the country. Education officials are expected to review existing protocols at schools nationwide to prevent similar incidents.