MANILA, Philippines — The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines called for stronger school safety measures and increased staffing following a school incident in Cavite, where seven Grade 5 students were stabbed with a kitchen knife.
READ: Seven Grade 5 students injured in Cavite school stabbing
In a statement on Wednesday, the group said the incident “exposes long-standing gaps in school staffing and support systems.”
“For example, teachers are often pulled away for meetings or additional duties due to shortages, leaving gaps in supervision and support at critical moments,” said ACT chair Ruby Bernardo.
The group called for increased school staffing, including guidance counselors and psychosocial support personnel, so emergencies can be handled without leaving classrooms unattended.
ACT stressed that responses to school violence should focus on prevention and system strengthening, rather than “fear-driven or purely punitive measures.”
“Our hearts go out to the students who were injured and to their families. Schools must be places where children feel safe and protected at all times,” said Bernardo.
“Our immediate concern is the safety, recovery, and psychosocial well-being of the affected students, as well as the wider school community,” Bernardo added.
The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed serious concern over the incident, saying it will coordinate with school officials and government agencies to provide immediate assistance to those affected.
In a statement on Wednesday, DepEd said that since minors are involved, it urged the public “to respect the privacy, dignity, and rights of the children and to avoid sharing unverified information.”
DepEd also “called on everyone to allow authorities to conduct a full and impartial investigation.”
Earlier, the Philippine National Police said it will heighten police visibility around schools following the knife attack incident.
READ: PNP to bolster visibility near schools after Cavite knife attack
Local social welfare officials took custody of the 14-year-old suspect for medical and psychological evaluation. /das
