THE Department of Education (DepEd) strongly condemned Thursday’s shooting incident at Santa Rosa Integrated School in Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija, which left two students critically injured.
In a statement released Friday morning, DepEd declared that schools must be safe havens for learners, teachers, and staff, and that any act of violence on or near school grounds is unacceptable.
DepEd stated that the Schools Division Office of Nueva Ecija is fully cooperating with local authorities and law enforcement to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
The agency is providing psychosocial support and stress debriefing to affected students and staff, while also working to enhance security protocols and restore normalcy to the school and surrounding areas. DepEd also pledged support to the families of the victims.
The shooting involved an 18-year-old male student from a different school who allegedly entered the Santa Rosa Integrated School and shot a 15-year-old female Grade 8 student before attempting to take his own life.
Authorities believe the shooting stemmed from a recent breakup between the two students. The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced school safety measures and mental health support for students.
