The Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office VIII has expressed concern over the shooting incident at a high school in Tacloban City that left at least three students dead.
In a statement, DepEd-Eastern Visayas said it immediately coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Schools Division Office of Tacloban City, and school authorities upon receiving reports of the incident to ensure the safety and security of students, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and everyone within the school premises.
The regional office also coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other concerned agencies to provide appropriate assistance and psychosocial support services to affected students and personnel.
DepEd Region VIII urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and to rely only on official statements from authorized agencies.
The office emphasized that the safety, security, and well-being of learners and school personnel remain its top priority. It also assured continued support for affected individuals and reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment.
In a separate statement, the Department of Education strongly condemned the act of violence and described the incident as a high-alert situation.
The department likewise extended its condolences to the families of the victims and those affected by the shooting.
DepEd said it is currently mobilizing assistance for the students affected by the tragedy.
The agency also called on the public to respect the privacy and dignity of all children involved and to allow the proper authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
Meanwhile, in a post on X, Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed his condolences over the deaths of the three students in the incident.
