Schools across Eastern Visayas are implementing immediate, heightened security measures following a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that left three students dead and at least 13 others wounded. Local authorities and school administrators are currently reassessing campus safety protocols as investigators hold two minor suspects in custody.
Which schools are increasing security?
Several institutions in Tacloban City and Palo, Leyte, have announced enhanced safety protocols to protect students, staff, and visitors. According to school management, these institutions include Liceo del Verbo Divino, Marasbaras National High School, Leyte Progressive High School, and Leyte Normal University in Tacloban. In Palo, both Palo National High School and the Saint Paul School of Professional Studies have also adopted stricter measures.
What are the new safety protocols?
Beginning June 23, Liceo del Verbo Divino and Marasbaras National High School will conduct mandatory bag inspections for all individuals entering campus. These schools have prohibited items including toy guns and sharp objects. At Leyte Normal University, security checks extend to all employees, concessionaires, and guests, with a strict requirement for students and personnel to wear identification cards at all times. Leyte Progressive High School has also initiated routine bag checks and restricted campus entry points, while requiring all visitors to sign a logbook and present valid identification.
What is the broader impact on the region?
The shooting is described by authorities as one of the deadliest school-related incidents in Eastern Visayas, if not the entire country. The event has prompted a regional reassessment of campus security. Beyond Tacloban and Palo, local government units in Calbayog City, Samar, and Naval, Biliran, have moved to strengthen protections around schools and public areas. Additionally, private schools in Borongan City, Eastern Samar, have implemented their own inspection protocols. The Department of Education’s Schools Division of Tacloban City previously suspended classes in all 64 public elementary and secondary schools to ensure the safety of learners and personnel.
What may happen next?
As the investigation into the motive behind the attack continues, it is likely that school administrators will maintain these heightened security measures for the foreseeable future to restore a sense of safety. While classes are expected to resume, parents have been urged by school officials to monitor the emotional well-being of their children and inspect their belongings. Future school operations may continue under more rigorous supervision as the region grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.
