DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, August 19, said she supports legislation requiring social media platforms to prevent minors from creating accounts following the fatal shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City.
Duterte made the statement while visiting victims of the shooting, which occurred on Tuesday, August 18, and left two students and the alleged shooter dead.
Initial reports said the alleged shooter, a junior high school student, brought firearms onto the campus and opened fire inside classrooms while streaming live on a social media platform.
Authorities continued to investigate the incident, including how the firearms were brought into the school. Reports on the number of people injured varied as the investigation continued.
The Vice President said the government should place the responsibility for restricting minors on social media companies rather than attempting to individually prevent millions of young people from using the platforms.
Duterte said a law could require platforms such as Facebook to stop minors from registering for accounts.
She estimated that the country has between 25 and 29 million students, making an individual ban difficult to enforce.
Duterte also said stronger regulation of social media platforms should be accompanied by closer monitoring in schools to help prevent similar incidents.
'Do not blame the teachers'
The Department of Education-Davao Region also urged the public not to blame teachers or schools for incidents of violence.
DepEd-11 spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said school safety is a shared responsibility among families, communities, and schools.
"Do not blame the teachers," Atillo said during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps press conference on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. DownloadingInteractive Geographic Maps
He said teachers are primarily responsible for teaching students and that preventing violence requires cooperation from parents, schools, and communities.
Although he did not name anyone, his statement came after teachers criticized a previous remark by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro about teachers' influence on students.
The school official also urged parents to check on their children regularly.
Atillo said DepEd-Davao City has coordinated with the Davao City Police Office and the city government to strengthen school security.
Schools Division Superintendent Reynante Solitario met with DCPO Director Police Col. Peter Madria, Lanticse, and other safety officials on Tuesday to discuss security measures.
Atillo said these include stricter checks at school entrances, stronger campaigns against threats, and improved emergency response procedures.
He also said reported threats against teachers are being taken seriously and coordinated with law enforcement. He also urged teachers to remain alert and take necessary safety precautions.
"Everyone entering schools, including students and school personnel, must follow security procedures," Atillo said.
Students may undergo bag inspections, while additional checks may be conducted if security personnel have serious concerns.
In such cases, Atillo said, the student may be brought to the principal's office, parents may be contacted, and the student's belongings may be inspected further in their presence.
Vehicles are also prohibited from entering school premises unless drivers undergo inspection and present their licenses.
Atillo said schools have designated personnel who check firearms brought by police officers, security personnel, or other authorized individuals.
He acknowledged that schools have limits in providing security and appealed to parents, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders to help protect students and school personnel.
Atillo also thanked the Philippine National Police for maintaining police visibility around schools.
"We are thankful that nothing has transpired here in Davao Region, and we intend to strengthen security further to ensure that nothing of this sort will happen here," he said. DownloadingInteractive Geographic Maps
Tighter security
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte directed the Security Cluster, through the City Public Safety and Security Office, to increase the number of security personnel in and around schools.
City Information Officer Harvey Lanticse said the city government continues to coordinate with the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to protect students and ensure their welfare.
The city government also expressed its sympathy and prayers for the victims and their families.
Madria also inspected the Mobile Patrol Unit in Bangkal, near Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School, as well as its Ecoland station.
The inspection included the Ateneo de Davao University Elementary and High School departments along McArthur Highway, across from Matina Town Square.
Madria instructed police personnel to respond quickly to incidents, implement lockdown procedures when necessary, and coordinate with other security units.
He and Police Lt. Col. Daisy Torres, commander of the First City Mobile Force Company, also coordinated with school security personnel to strengthen safety measures.
"The proactive measures form part of the DCPO's continuing efforts to protect educational institutions and the wider community," Madria said.
Madria assured the public that the DCPO and its police stations are prepared to respond to security concerns and emergencies.
Vice President Sara Duterte
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