TACLOBAN CITY — The Senate on Wednesday, July 1, pressed for stronger school safety measures and updates on the investigation into the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City after Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy appeared before a Senate panel to detail the progress of the case that claimed the lives of three students and injured 18 others.
Capoy testified before the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality during its inquiry into the June 22 shooting at a private school in Tacloban City, one of the deadliest school-related attacks in recent years.
The hearing focused on the status of the police investigation, the government’s response to the incident, and possible legislative reforms aimed at strengthening campus security, protecting students, and preventing similar acts of violence.
During the inquiry, Capoy briefed senators on the steps taken by PRO-8 since the incident, including crime scene processing, forensic examination, evidence gathering, witness interviews, and coordination with prosecutors and other government agencies to build a strong case.
He assured lawmakers that the regional police office remains committed to securing justice for the victims and their families, saying investigators are exhausting all legal remedies to ensure that everyone found responsible will be held accountable.
Capoy also emphasized the need for closer collaboration among law enforcement agencies, the Department of Education, local government units, school administrators, parents, and community stakeholders to strengthen security measures in schools and improve emergency response protocols.
The Senate inquiry forms part of the government’s broader review of existing policies on campus safety and child protection following the Tacloban tragedy. Lawmakers said the findings of the investigation would serve as the basis for possible legislation and policy reforms aimed at preventing future school shootings and ensuring safer learning environments nationwide.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
