The Department of Education (DepEd), through the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Nueva Ecija, has condemned the shooting incident inside Sta. Rosa Integrated School that left two teenagers critically injured on Thursday.

In an official statement posted on Facebook, the SDO strongly denounced the act of violence that occurred at around 10:45 a.m. on 7 August, when a male student, identified as “Leo,” shot a 15-year-old female student before turning the gun on himself inside a classroom.

Both students sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the nearest hospitals. Authorities said they remain under critical medical care as of latest reports.

School staff responded immediately to the incident, providing necessary assistance and coordinating with local authorities and law enforcers during the emergency.

The SDO also deployed psychological support services and conducted critical incident stress debriefings for students and staff to manage the emotional impact of the shooting and to help ensure the continued operation of the school.

DepEd called on community members, parents, and local officials to work together in promoting a secure learning environment.

“DepED remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the welfare of all the learners and personnel. We call on our stakeholders including parents, local government units, and the broader community to remain vigilant and actively support our shared responsibility of fostering a culture of peace and safety in our schools,” the statement read.