DepEd Probes South Cotabato School Shooting Killing 3 Students

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday said it has launched an investigation on the recent school shooting in South Cotabato that killed three students. DepEd made the pronouncement after condemning the “violent act,” and expressing condolences to the families of the victims, as well as the school community. READ: South Cotabato The agency committed to a swift investigation to ascertain the facts of the incident. The DepEd statement did not provide further details on the shooting, including the number of people involved or the circumstances leading to the incident. However, the incident is expected to bring renewed attention to school safety measures and the growing concerns about youth mental health in the Philippines. Security in educational institutions, especially in provincial areas, has been a long-standing issue, with calls for enhanced safety protocols and better support systems for students. DepEd has consistently emphasized its commitment to ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for all students. The department has implemented various programs and policies aimed at addressing issues such as bullying, violence, and mental health challenges among students. The outcome of the investigation is anticipated to inform further policy adjustments and interventions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo