Moreno raises alarm over alleged student threats, calls for stronger school safety

CITY Councilor Imee Rose P. Moreno, on Monday, expressed deep concern after a young student allegedly made threats that have stirred fear among students, parents, teachers, school staff and residents.

The lady councilor rendered her special report during the regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez. She said the incident has been circulating on social media, showing a young student making a threatening statement while pointing his hand in the form of a gun, and another video resurfaced showing the child apologizing for his actions.

“This does not mean that every child who makes a threatening remark or gesture will commit an act of violence, it would be unfair and irresponsible to make such an assumption. However, it would be equally irresponsible to dismiss such behavior as mere child play or an innocent joke”, Moreno said.

Councilor Moreno commended the Department of Education (DepEd) for its swift action following the report, noting that school administrators quickly notified authorities and implemented immediate safety measures.

But she cautioned that emergency responses must not be the end of the process. Councilor Moreno urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to coordinate with the DepEd to ensure the student receives a comprehensive psychosocial assessment and appropriate supportive services.

“Beyond determining what happened, we must also understand why it happened and what more can be done to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future”, she said.

The councilor also acknowledged legislative measures intended to strengthen school safety and child protection. However, she questioned whether those laws and policies are being fully implemented. “These are not questions to find fault, these are questions that seek to ensure that our laws are responsive, practical, and effective”, Moreno stressed.

To address these concerns, Councilor Moreno proposed, in aid of legislation, forming joint committees on education, social services, women and family relations, health, and on public order and safety to review existing protocols in responding to threats involving students.

“We cannot wait for tragedy before we decide to act. If there is one lesson we should learn from recent events, it is that prevention is always better than reaction,” she concluded. (JBD/SP)