The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Palo expressed profound grief and shock after the deadly shooting at a high school in Tacloban City. Church leaders immediately called for national prayers, community solidarity, and a deep look into the root causes of youth violence.
Archbishop John Du issued an official statement conveying the Church’s heartbreak over the incident. “As we pray for the victims and mourn with their families and loved ones, our thoughts and prayers also go to all those who have in one way or another been affected by this tragedy.”
The archbishop also stressed that the campus shooting should serve as a wake-up call for families, schools, and local communities regarding how they guide the younger generation. He explained that society must closely examine the moral foundation being provided to teenagers today.
“This tragedy challenges us all to reflect on how we (our nation, our families and communities) have raised our children and young people and on the values we have imparted to them,” the archbishop added, and urged the public to work together to create safer environments so that such a tragedy will be prevented in the future.