Rodriguez calls for stronger measures to combat school-based violence

"Our schools should be places of learning, not fear."

This was the call to action of Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez as he delivered a special report during the 42nd Regular Session on the recent rise of school-based violence .

Rodriguez made the report in response to the disturbing rise in youth-related violence, including the recent school shooting in Tacloban City that claimed the lives of three and stirred discussion on stronger security and protection measures in school campuses.

Emphasizing that the issue is not new to Cagayan de Oro, Rodriguez recounted the bullying incidence in the city earlier this year, and the 2022 killing of a 14-year-old allegedly linked to a conflict between rival youth gangs.

He noted that such acts of violence involving children and young people have remained a serious public order and safety concern.

Drawing from his experience as former Punong Barangay of Barangay Nazareth, Rodriguez cited the inadequacy of school security which results in violent incidents within school premises.

Rodriguez stressed that legislation alone is not enough to address the issue. The need for cooperation of all stakeholders is necessary to effectively curb school-based violence.

He moved for the adoption of a resolution urging the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation, educational institutions, parents, barangays, and community organizations to implement coordinated intervention programs for at-risk youth.

Rodriguez also disclosed that he and Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez are the joint principal authors of a proposed ordinance that seeks to prevent, address, and reduce school-based violence in Cagayan de Oro through comprehensive preventive, protective, and intervention measures. (JDO/SP)