Senator Mark Villar calls for enhanced security measures after Las Piñas school attack

Senator Mark Villar called for enhanced security measures within and around school premises.

Following the tragic stabbing of a Grade 8 student from Las Piñas National High School, the senator has renewed his appeal for stronger safety protocols and the expansion of youth intervention programs to better protect students.

Villar condemned the attack, saying no child should have to fear for their safety while going to or coming home from school.

“Mariin kong kinokondena ang brutal na pananakit at pananaksak sa isang Grade 8 na mag-aaral ng Las Piñas National High School. Walang batang Las Piñero ang dapat mabuhay sa takot o malagay sa panganib habang pumapasok o umuuwi mula sa paaralan.”

He urged the Las Piñas local government, school officials, law enforcement agencies, barangay leaders, and parents to work together more closely to improve security measures within and around school campuses.

Villar also expressed concern that the suspects are minors, with reports indicating that most are out-of-school youth, saying the incident highlights the need to provide young people with greater support and opportunities before they become involved in crime.

“Lubhang nakalulungkot na ang mga suspek ay pawang mga menor de edad, at karamihan sa kanila ay mga out-of-school youth. Sa halip na masangkot sa krimen, ang ating mga kabataan ay dapat nasa paaralan o nabibigyan ng pagkakataong makabalik sa pag-aaral at magkaroon ng maayos na direksyon sa buhay.”

The senator said the incident should serve as a reminder for both government and communities to strengthen education, youth intervention, and mental health programs to address the factors that place vulnerable children at risk and guide them toward more positive paths.

“Isa itong paalala na kailangan nating palawakin ang mga programa para sa edukasyon, youth intervention, at mental health upang mabigyan sila ng tamang paggabay, suporta, at mga oportunidad upang makaiwas sa landas ng karahasan.”

Villar said ensuring students' safety is a shared responsibility and stressed that schools should remain places of learning, character formation, and hope.

“Nawa’y magsilbing panawagan ang insidenteng ito upang lalo nating pagtibayin ang ating sama-samang responsibilidad na tiyaking ligtas ang bawat mag-aaral. Ang ating mga paaralan ay dapat manatiling mga lugar ng karunungan at paghubog ng mabuting asal, at pag-asa—hindi ng karahasan at takot.”

-Paraluman News