TACLOBAN CITY — The families of three students killed in the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School(SJNHS) received financial assistance and condolences from the Senate as lawmakers renewed calls for stronger measures to protect students and school personnel from violence.
Representatives from the Office of Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian visited the bereaved families on Sept.5, and provided P50,000 in assistance to each family, while conveying the Senate’s sympathy over the deaths.
The delegation included Jojo Rosales, director for political affairs and constituent services; Ahna Mejia, director for media affairs and communications; and Carla Cantal, provincial media relations officer.
The Senate earlier adopted a resolution expressing sympathy to the families of the three students who were killed in the school shooting, which also heightened calls for stronger school security measures.
Gatchalian also reaffirmed his support for Senate Bill No. 2426, or the proposed Comprehensive School Safety Act, which seeks to establish a National School Safety Framework.
The proposed framework would set standards for the prevention of, response to, and recovery from threats and incidents affecting the safety and security of schools.
“Tututukan natin ang mga panukalang batas na magtataguyod sa kaligtasan ng mga paaralan. Hindi na natin hahayaang maulit ang mga karahasang nauwi sa trahedya,” Gatchalian said.
The Senate also provided PHP50,000 in assistance to the family of the late Ateneo cager Rene Baterbonia.
The assistance came as the families of the three students continue to grieve, while government authorities and lawmakers pursue measures aimed at improving school security and preventing similar acts of violence in educational institutions.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
