Photo credit: Inday Sara Duterte

Vice President Sara Duterte has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that claimed the lives of young students and left several others injured.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Duterte said no parent sends a child to school expecting them to become victims of violence. She noted that the heartbreaking incident is not an isolated case, pointing out that other tragedies involving students have occurred in recent years, including the deaths of two student-athletes during a basketball training program.

The Vice President said these incidents highlight serious shortcomings in the government's ability to ensure the safety and well-being of young Filipinos. She stressed the need for stronger measures to protect learners from harmful influences, whether they come from outside groups, online platforms, or individuals who exploit the vulnerabilities of the youth.

Duterte also emphasized that students must be safeguarded from abuse, neglect, and violence, especially within institutions entrusted with their care and development.

Beyond school security, she argued that the tragedy underscores the importance of intelligence gathering and early threat detection. According to Duterte, authorities must do more to identify risks before lives are put in danger, rather than responding only after incidents occur.

She further noted that education extends beyond classroom learning, saying that the values students develop and the influences surrounding them are closely connected to the country's long-term security and stability.

Calling the incident a wake-up call for the administration, Duterte urged the government to take immediate action to strengthen school safety measures and better protect learners across the country.

"As the nation mourns the loss of young lives, the challenge now is ensuring that schools remain safe spaces where students can learn, grow, and thrive without fear," she said.