Iloilo Schools Heighten Security After South Cotabato Shooting

ILOILO CITY — Students formed a long queue outside Mandurriao National High School along Q. Abeto Street here on Monday, Sept. 21, as heightened security measures were implemented following the deadly school shooting in South Cotabato last week. Security guards inspected students’ bags one by one as they entered the campus, while police personnel and The incident has raised concerns among parents and educators about school safety protocols across the country. The Philippines faces challenges related to gun access and youth mental health, issues that are now under renewed scrutiny following the South Cotabato shooting. Authorities in Iloilo are considering directing all schools under their jurisdiction to adopt similar stringent security measures, potentially leading to a nationwide review of school safety management. Ensuring the safety of the nation's youth is crucial for the Philippines, a country with a significant number of overseas workers, as it represents an investment in future generations.