VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte is calling for the urgent institutionalization of a “culture of security” across all academic institutions following an alarming wave of campus violence, including a recent fatal shooting incident in Banga, South Cotabato.
During a visit to offer condolences to the bereaved family of the victims on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, Duterte stressed that schools must adopt proactive intelligence gathering and establish reliable safe spaces for students to prevent similar tragedies.
“It is very important to implement a culture of security within the school,” Duterte said during an ambush interview, emphasizing that school authorities must take every piece of information seriously—big or small—process it, and launch immediate investigations.
” Yung pag gather ng mga information, i-process yung information at dapat ay mapigilan o ma iwasan yung mga ganun na mga pangyayari doon sa mga impormasyon na pumapasok sa ating school authorities; at pangalawang dapat merong safe space yung mga bata o safe na mga tao sa bahay man yun o paaralan na pwede nilang kausapin sa mga iniisip o nararamdaman nila,”she said.
She also highlighted the necessity of building trust so students have designated counselors or teachers to turn to instead of seeking misguided outlets on social media or online extremist groups.
While physical checks such as bag inspections and random classroom checks are viable security measures, Duterte, speaking from her perspective as a former education secretary, maintained that early intervention relies heavily on spotting troubled students before they act.
She added that the office has given financial assistance for the wake every night
“They asked for justice. And I told them, if we already bury the victim. We can talk professionally and give advice on what to do on legal process,” she added.
Whole-of-nation approach
Meanwhile, the PNP supports the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s call for families, schools, communities, and government agencies to work together in protecting children and preventing violence in and around schools.
Following three school shooting incidents reported since June—in Tacloban City, Zamboanga City, and most recently in South Cotabato on September 18—the PNP recognizes the need for sustained preventive efforts that extend beyond school security.
PNP Director General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. encouraged parents and guardians to remain closely involved in their children’s lives, including being attentive to their online activities, the content they access, and warning signs that may require guidance or professional support.
“We need to be present not only when there is already a problem, but much earlier—when a child needs guidance, when a family sees a warning sign, or when a firearm is not properly secured. Dito kailangan ang pakikipagtulungan ng lahat. Hindi ito kayang solusyunan ng isang ahensya lamang,” Nartatez said.
Senator Go honors heroic teen
The call for heightened campus vigilance comes on the heels of widespread commendations for a 14-year-old boy, one of the victims of the Banga shooting on Sept. 18.
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go praised the young student’s extraordinary bravery after reports surfaced that Pamonag managed to kick the shooter and lock the classroom door to protect his classmates, sustaining injuries in the process.
The Malasakit Team has extended financial and medical assistance to Pamonag and the other affected families.
Authorities are stepping up monitoring following a series of campus security threats across nearby areas.
In Tupi, South Cotabato, an 18-year-old student identified online as “Mj Sulaiman” was arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for alarm and scandal after uploading photos brandishing a firearm on social media.
Meanwhile, in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, a 13-year-old Grade 8 student was rushed to local barangay authorities on Monday morning after allegedly threatening to shoot people inside Kapingkong National High School.
Quick police intervention averted any escalation, underscoring the growing urgency for mental health support and stringent security frameworks in schools across Mindanao.
