CEAP: Schools In Peril Amid Bullying, Bloodshed

Citing recent attacks that left students dead and injured, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) declared on Tuesday, June 23, that schools nationwide are in peril, warning that the incidents reflect a disturbing escalation – from bullying and peer conflicts to outright violence.

“Schools, meant to be sanctuaries of learning, growth and formation, are now turning into places of fear and violence. We mourn with the bereaved families, stand in solidarity with the affected communities and grieve the loss of innocence in our educational spaces,” CEAP said.

The statement came after three students were killed and 20 others were wounded when two minors entered classrooms and opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban on Monday, June 22.

Last week, a 14-year-old female Grade 8 student armed with a kitchen knife attacked a Grade 5 classroom at a private school in General Trias City, injuring seven students.

The group stressed that recent events underscore the need for education reform that upholds a holistic view of learners, adding that reforms must advance academic achievement and workforce readiness while also nurturing character, values, emotional well-being and social responsibility.

“CEAP calls on the government, Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and all stakeholders for urgent, holistic reform that prioritizes integral human development over purely technical goals,” it said.

“We reaffirm our commitment to forming ‘men and women for others’ through faith, reason and compassion. May the God of peace grant healing to the wounded, eternal rest to the victims and wisdom to all as we rebuild schools as true homes of learning and virtue,” it added.

‘Failure of government’

Following the Tacloban shooting incident, Vice President Sara Duterte criticized the government for failing to address gaps in protecting learners.

In a statement released by the Office of the Vice President, Duterte said: “Our learners must be protected from radical influences, whether they come from outside the school, online platforms or from individuals who take advantage of the vulnerabilities of young people.”

‘Reflect’

In the wake of the incident, Palo Archbishop John Du offered prayers and healing for the victims of the Tacloban school shooting and urged the public to reflect on how society raises the youth.

“Our thoughts and prayers go to all those who have in one way or another been affected by this tragedy – the school and community, the families of the students and the society which have nurtured our young people,” Du said.