Marcos ‘heartbroken’ over rising school violence

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed deep concern over a series of violent incidents involving students, saying he was “heartbroken” upon learning about the recent school shooting in Tacloban City.

In a Palace briefing, Press Officer Claire Castro said the President was particularly distressed by the involvement of minors both as perpetrators and victims.

“Noong nabalitaan nga po ng Pangulo ang nangyayari sa Tacloban, ay heartbroken, masasabi natin, ang naramdaman ng Pangulo dahil mga bata ang lumalabas na kaya na gumawa ng krimen, kayang magplano gumawa ng krimen. At mga inosenteng mga kabataan din ang nabibiktima,” Castro said.

The Tacloban shooting is one of several recent incidents that have alarmed authorities. The Department of the Interior and Local Government reported that a separate attack allegedly planned by a 14-year-old student in Tolosa, Leyte was prevented.

Meanwhile, a stabbing incident involving Grade 9 and 10 students in San Carlos City has added to concerns about a possible pattern of school-related violence.

Castro emphasized that the administration considers such incidents unacceptable, especially when young people are involved. “Ang mga mararahas na nangyayari sa ating bansa ay hindi na po katanggap-tanggap, mas lalo na po kung kabataan ang nasasangkot,” she said.

In response, the President has directed concerned agencies to investigate the root causes of the violence, including the potential influence of violent online content and possible “copycat behavior” among minors. The Palace also underscored the importance of strengthening guidance and protection for young people.

“Mas maganda po ngayon na mapakita talaga natin kung paano ba natin inaalagaan ang ating mga kabataan. At hindi po siguro nararapat na isantabi o hindi pansinin ang mga ganitong pangyayari,” Castro said.

“So, iniuutos din po ng Pangulo ang agarang pag-determine ano ang nagiging ugat nito, maliban po sa nakita ng Pangulo na may kinalaman ang ibang mga gaming apps na marahas,” she added.

On proposals to lower the age of criminal liability, Castro said the administration remains open to reviewing possible measures but stressed that any policy will undergo careful study. “Depende po ito sa magiging bersiyon kung gagawa man at magbabalangkas ng panukalang batas at ito’y aaralin ng Pangulo at para malaman natin kung ano ang nararapat para sa ating mga kabataan,” she said.

The developments have reignited public debate over juvenile justice policies, as the government seeks both accountability and long-term solutions to protect the country’s youth.