Gatchalian Extends Aid to Families of Tacloban School Shooting Victims, Pushes Safety Legislation

TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Philippines — The families of the three students killed in the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School received financial assistance from Senate President Win Gatchalian on Friday, September 4. Gatchalian’s staff personally delivered P50,000 each to the bereaved families of Chris Lorenz Fabian, Joyancee Separa, and Ayessa Nicole Dazo, who were killed when two fellow students opened fire inside the school campus. The assistance was received by the victims’ families, including Christopher and Erbea Fabian, parents of Chris Lorenz; Jenelyn Badoria, mother of Joyancee; and Nico and Ariet Dazo, parents of Ayessa. The Senate had earlier adopted a resolution expressing sympathy and condolences to the families of the three learners and providing P50,000 in assistance to each bereaved family. READ: Gatchalian extends aid to families of 3 Tacloban school shooting victims The June 22 shooting claimed the lives of Fabian, Separa and Dazo and injured 20 others. Fabian, 15, a Grade 10 student and Boy Scout, was hailed for attempting to protect his classmates during the attack. Separa was also 15, while Dazo was 14. The tragedy has since prompted calls for stronger security measures in schools and greater government attention to bullying, mental health, access to firearms and possible harmful online influences affecting young people. Gatchalian said the Senate would continue pursuing measures designed to prevent similar incidents and strengthen the capacity of schools to respond to threats. “We will focus on proposed laws that will promote the safety of schools. We will not allow violence that results in tragedy to happen again,” he said in a press statement. Among the measures being considered by the Senate is Senate Bill No. 2426, or the Comprehensive School Safety Act, which seeks to establish a National School Safety Framework that would set standards for preventing, responding to and recovering from threats and incidents affecting school safety. The proposed framework seeks a more comprehensive approach to school security rather than relying solely on physical measures, covering prevention, emergency response and recovery following incidents. Government agencies have also provided continuing assistance to the victims’ families. The Department of Social Welfare and Development has extended financial and psychosocial support, while the National Housing Authority later provided housing units to the families of the three slain students. The shooting also triggered broader discussions on juvenile accountability. During a Senate hearing in July, Joyancee’s mother, Jenelyn Badoria, called for stronger accountability measures, including a review of the minimum age of criminal responsibility. The family of Ayessa also sought charges against the younger suspect. The families have repeatedly called for justice and urged authorities to strengthen school security and prevent a similar tragedy from happening again. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also honored Fabian, Separa and Dazo during his 2026 State of the Nation Address, describing their courage and selflessness as an inspiration to the nation. /cb