The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has strongly condemned the recent attack in a school, as well as a series of related stabbing incidents involving students in Cavite, and has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct a thorough investigation.
In a statement, the DILG extended condolences to the families of the victims and expressed support for those injured, saying it stands in solidarity with the affected school communities.
The agency said the incidents highlight an urgent need to reinforce school safety systems, improve early intervention mechanisms, and strengthen community-based violence prevention programs.
“These incidents serve as a sobering reminder of the need to strengthen school safety, enhance early intervention mechanisms, and reinforce community-based efforts to prevent violence before it occurs,” the DILG said.
It stressed that schools must remain safe environments for learning, free from fear and violence.
“Schools must remain places of learning, opportunity, and hope—not venues of violence,” it said.
The DILG has ordered the PNP to carry out a “thorough and impartial” investigation into the attack and has urged closer coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and local government units in reviewing and improving security measures in schools.
The department said it remains committed to working with all concerned agencies to ensure that educational institutions remain safe, secure, and conducive to learning.