VP Duterte: Schools must investigate even unverified threat information

Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday urged school authorities to investigate even unverified information about possible threats, saying schools need a stronger “culture of security” and trusted channels where students can report concerns before they escalate.

Duterte made the call three days after a Grade 9 student opened fire at Banga National High School, killing two classmates and himself and wounding eight others, according to authorities.

“Napakahalaga kasi na mag-implement ng culture of security sa loob ng ating mga paaralan,” Duterte told reporters after visiting the family of one of the victims.

“Ang pinakamabisa talaga diyan ay yung pag-gather ng information ng ating mga school authorities na kahit gaano kaliit na bagay na impormasyon yung natanggap nila, sa paniwala nila totoo man o hindi, kailangan i-process at gawan ng imbestigasyon at sa school level,” she added.

Banga Mayor Albert Palencia earlier said the student had told his classmates to go home because he was going to carry out a plan after lunch. The classmates reportedly laughed off the warning because the student was known to joke.

For Duterte, such information — even if initially believed to be insignificant or unreliable — should be processed and investigated at the school level. She also called for students to have trusted adults inside schools whom they can approach with concerns or information.

“Napakahalaga din na magkaroon ng kumpiyansa yung mga bata na sa school level meron silang pwedeng kausapin, teacher man yun, designated teacher, counselor man yun o kung sino man sa structure ng paaralan na puwedeng kausapin ng mga bata,” Duterte said.

Duterte, who previously served as education secretary, said schools must ensure that students have someone they can turn to when they receive or encounter information that could pose a risk to themselves or others.

She said she also offered the family moral support and assistance from her office based on whatever needs they may have during the aftermath of the shooting.

“Pinaabot ko rin yung moral support at pag-offer ng support kung ano man yun sa pamilya na pangangailangan nila sa panahon ngayon,” Duterte said.