Parents, teachers, and school administrators were all urged to take a more active role in monitoring children’s online activity and gadget use following a fatal shooting inside a school in Tacloban City involving two minors.
The appeal comes as the Philippine National Police (PNP) continue to investigate the June 22 incident at San Jose National High School, which left three students dead and at least 13 others injured. Police are examining possible links to bullying and other behavioral and social factors that may have contributed to the attack.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said families must serve as the first line of defense in identifying early warning signs of potential violence, including behavior expressed through digital platforms.
“Parents and guardians serve as the first line of defense. They must be present and vigilant in their children’s digital lives, treating their online activity with the same level of concern as their physical whereabouts,” Nartatez said.
He also urged schools to strengthen their role in early detection, saying teachers and administrators should closely observe behavioral changes among students and report concerns before situations escalate.
“We are also calling on our teachers and school administrators to act as our partners in this ‘digital watch,’ identifying early behavioral shifts or concerning interests in students so we can intervene long before any harm is done,” he added.
Investigators noted that one of the suspects allegedly posted violent and gun-related content online prior to the attack, including videos showing him handling and firing a firearm. These materials are now being assessed as potential early warning indicators.
Authorities said such online behavior, along with signs like social withdrawal, fixation on violent imagery, and use of aggressive language, may signal deeper risks that require immediate attention from adults and institutions.
“The warning signs are often subtle… and when these red flags appear, early reporting to local police or school authorities is not just a precaution but a necessity to save lives,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said it is working closely with the Department of Education to institutionalize preventive measures in schools, framing school safety as a shared responsibility among families, educators, and law enforcement.