PNP urges public to report warning signs of school violence

The Philippine National Police (PNP) urged the public to remain alert and involved in preventing school violence, particularly by spotting and reporting “warning signs” in children.

This call follows the shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) Junior High School yesterday, August 18, wherein the attack left two students dead and two injured.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. vowed that beyond establishing physical measures, the agency would work closely with schools and communities to take anticipatory initiatives against school violence.

“Police can support schools by strengthening coordination and helping identify threats or warning signs before they develop into violence,” Nartatez emphasized.

“We agree that school safety is not only about guards, cameras, and other security measures,” Nartatez Jr. added.

He also expressed his support for Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s push for school administrations to conduct regular checks and build stronger relationships with students.

Angara also advocated for greater parental involvement, highlighting that fostering a secure environment begins at home and that parents must be actively involved in their children’s well-being.

This mirrors the PNP’s earlier call for stronger parental and institutional monitoring of children’s social media and gadget use, following a recent school shooting in Tacloban City that left three students dead.

“Parents and guardians serve as the first line of defense,” Nartatez underlined.

“They must be present and vigilant in their children's digital lives, treating their online activity with the same level of concern as their physical whereabouts.”

It was reported that one of the perpetrators of the shooting actively played Gorebox, a highly violent video game that features graphic gore and realistic weapon simulations.

“We are also calling on our teachers and school administrators to act as our partners in this ‘digital watch,’ identifying early behavioral shifts or concerning interests in students so we can intervene long before any harm is done,” the PNP chief added.