The Department of Education (DepEd) has deployed Central Office officials to hospitals and coordinated with law enforcement agencies following the fatal shooting at San Jose National High School that left students dead and several others injured.
DepEd said officials immediately went to hospitals to check on affected learners and ensure that their safety, welfare, and urgent needs are being addressed.
Agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), are working with DepEd to provide assistance and support to affected students, teachers, and families.
Following the incident, DepEd and the PNP also held a coordination meeting to discuss immediate actions related to the case and ongoing response efforts.
In a statement, the department described the situation as a “high-alert” incident, with Central Office personnel, along with regional and division offices, actively coordinating on the ground with school authorities and law enforcement.
“The Department considers this as a high-alert situation. Our Central Office officials, alongside regional and division office personnel, are actively on the ground, coordinating closely with school authorities and law enforcement to secure the premises and ensure safety, security, and protection,” DepEd said.
The agency said it is also preparing psychosocial and medical interventions for affected learners and personnel in response to the emotional impact of the incident.
“To address the immediate emotional toll of this tragedy, the Department is working hand-in-hand with relevant government agencies to deploy critical medical assistance and appropriate psychosocial interventions for the affected learners and personnel,” it said.
DepEd condemned the violence and expressed condolences to the families of the victims, while also calling for respect for the privacy and dignity of those involved.
“We strongly condemn this act of violence and extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as our earnest prayers for the swift recovery of those who were injured,” the department said.
It added that the safety, well-being, and mental health of learners and school personnel remain its top priority, as authorities continue to investigate the incident.
