Senatorial candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay has urged caution in responding to recent incidents of violence in public schools in Metro Manila, stressing that excessive security measures are unnecessary and could be counterproductive.

Binay made the statement in reaction to viral videos of student violence, which have been linked to bullying.

She argued against implementing drastic security protocols such as body searches, likening them to airport procedures, as these measures could instill fear among students.

“Schools should not feel like a war zone. We don’t want to create a culture where children feel fear when they go to school,” Binay said.

Highlighting that there have been no mass shootings in Philippine schools, unlike in the United States, Binay emphasized that the recent incidents are isolated and do not justify extreme security measures.

Binay called on school administrators, teachers, parents, and community leaders to work together to maintain schools as “safe havens for learning,” particularly by effectively implementing the Anti-Bullying Act.

She underscored the critical role of parents and guardians in monitoring their children for signs of bullying or aggression and fostering awareness about bullying dynamics.

The mayor also addressed the reported shortage of guidance counselors in public schools, citing a July 2024 report from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) that revealed approximately 4,400 vacant positions for guidance counselors.

Binay called for urgent action to address this shortage, stressing the importance of guidance counselors in creating safe learning environments.