NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
DepEd Condemns Sta. Rosa School Shooting, Calls For Unity And Vigilance
Photo credit: Santa Rosa Integrated School
The Department of Education (DepEd) has expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the shooting incident at Sta. Rosa Integrated School in Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija on August 7, 2025, which left two teenagers wounded.
In a statement, DepEd stressed that schools must always be safe spaces for learners, teachers, and all school personnel. Any act of violence within or near school premises, the agency said, is unacceptable and will never be tolerated.
According to initial police reports, the incident occurred at around 10:45 a.m. inside a classroom in Barangay Rizal. The suspect, identified only as Leo, entered the room, drew a .22-caliber gun, and shot the victim—identified as “Lea”—in the neck before turning the weapon on himself. Both were rushed to the nearest hospital. Their conditions were reported to be critical.
The motive remains under investigation, and authorities are still working to determine how the suspect obtained the firearm. Central Luzon Police Chief Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones condemned the shooting and assured the public of swift action, emphasizing the need to address not just physical security in schools but also the mental and emotional well-being of students.
Following the incident, the Schools Division Office of Nueva Ecija (SDO NE) acted quickly—providing emergency assistance, coordinating with local authorities, and mobilizing crisis intervention teams to support learners, teachers, and families affected. Psychosocial services and critical incident stress debriefing are now being offered to those in need.
DepEd reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that schools remain zones of peace and learning. The agency is working with local government units, law enforcement, and community stakeholders to strengthen school safety protocols and restore a sense of normalcy.
“In this difficult time, we appeal for calm, unity, and cooperation,” DepEd said. “Let us stand together to protect our children and make sure every school remains a sanctuary for education and growth.”
In a statement, DepEd stressed that schools must always be safe spaces for learners, teachers, and all school personnel. Any act of violence within or near school premises, the agency said, is unacceptable and will never be tolerated.
According to initial police reports, the incident occurred at around 10:45 a.m. inside a classroom in Barangay Rizal. The suspect, identified only as Leo, entered the room, drew a .22-caliber gun, and shot the victim—identified as “Lea”—in the neck before turning the weapon on himself. Both were rushed to the nearest hospital. Their conditions were reported to be critical.
The motive remains under investigation, and authorities are still working to determine how the suspect obtained the firearm. Central Luzon Police Chief Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones condemned the shooting and assured the public of swift action, emphasizing the need to address not just physical security in schools but also the mental and emotional well-being of students.
Following the incident, the Schools Division Office of Nueva Ecija (SDO NE) acted quickly—providing emergency assistance, coordinating with local authorities, and mobilizing crisis intervention teams to support learners, teachers, and families affected. Psychosocial services and critical incident stress debriefing are now being offered to those in need.
DepEd reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that schools remain zones of peace and learning. The agency is working with local government units, law enforcement, and community stakeholders to strengthen school safety protocols and restore a sense of normalcy.
“In this difficult time, we appeal for calm, unity, and cooperation,” DepEd said. “Let us stand together to protect our children and make sure every school remains a sanctuary for education and growth.”
Aug 8, 2025
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