September 2, 2026 — Manila — Top government officials, law enforcement, and mental health experts gathered today at Kapihan sa Manila Prince, hosted by Former Senator Joey Lina and Former Presidential Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma, to tackle the urgent crisis of school violence under the theme: School Violence: Can we stop it before it starts?
The forum underscored that keeping schools safe demands more than reacting after tragedy — it demands recognizing warning signs and intervening early.
Key Highlights
Root Causes Go Beyond Bullying
Speakers emphasized that school violence is rarely just bullying. Many incidents stem from deeper factors: broken families, domestic struggles, mental health challenges, and exposure to violent digital content and online games.
DILG: Tighten Firearm Rules, Mobilize Barangay Watch
Undersecretary Rolando C. Puno of the DILG Public Affairs and Communication Office stressed stricter firearms regulations. He confirmed that carrying firearms and deadly weapons in public places is prohibited. Following the recent Tacloban incident, DILG and DepEd will issue a joint memorandum circular to mobilize 277,000 barangay tanods for enhanced community patrols and school safety checks.
PNP: Early Intervention & Zero Tolerance for Weapons
PMGen Wilson Asueta, Director of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, and PBGen Maria Sheila T. Portento, Chief of the PNP Women and Children Protection Center, emphasized proactive policing. Early intervention can avert tragedies. Authorities also highlighted the risks of digital radicalization, exploitation, and harmful online content targeting minors.
DepEd: Safety & Privacy Balance, Mental Health Focus
Undersecretary Malcolm S. Garma of DepEd Governance and Operations noted that physical safety must go hand-in-hand with psychological safety. Proposals such as the transparent bag policy are being studied — but with care to avoid invading privacy. School counselors are being trained to spot behavioral changes and red flags. Home supervision and strong adult guidance are equally critical.
Mental Health & Digital Influence
Dr. John Manuel Kliatchiko, President of the Psychological Association of the Philippines, warned that today’s youth face a mental health crisis far more pronounced than in past generations. He cautioned against stigma and stressed the vital role of responsible adults in children’s lives. Excessive screen time, violent games, and social media exposure can shape behavior — with platforms becoming avenues for grooming, exploitation, and even extremist influence.
Calls for Regulation & Bans
The forum noted that some countries — such as Australia — have moved to restrict certain online games and apps. The DILG is pushing for bans on specific platforms including Roblox and Gorbox, with the process requiring congressional action.
Unified Message
“Safety is everyone’s concern. We must combine law enforcement, community watch, mental health support, parental guidance, and responsible digital regulation to protect our children. We cannot just respond — we must prevent.”
