MANILA – Senators called for stronger school safety measures, tighter firearm controls, expanded mental health services and greater protection for children following the deadly shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City.

Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said the tragedy highlighted the need to build a “human safety net” around young people, including safer schools, stronger child protection systems, mental health professionals, responsible online platforms, supportive families and communities, and leaders who do not normalize violence.

“Bumuo tayo ng human safety net para sa kabataan,” Pangilinan said, stressing that legislation, safeguards and funding alone would not be enough to address the problem.

He called for increased funding for guidance counselors, psychologists and mental health services, as well as measures against online bullying, cyber grooming for violent activities and the spread of violent content. He also backed tighter regulation of firearms.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros said it was too early to determine whether the incident was connected to Nihilistic Violent Extremism (NVE) or other online communities being examined following the Tacloban shooting.

She said the fact that violence could be displayed, imitated and livestreamed points to a broader societal problem.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, Hontiveros said the panel would continue its hearings on NVE, online grooming for serious violent activity and other threats to children ahead of its next hearing on Thursday.

Sen. Joel Villanueva, meanwhile, said the shooting demonstrated the need for reforms under the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) that address not only curriculum but also student safety and the social and environmental factors affecting children.

Villanueva said lawmakers are also looking into legislation to strengthen gun control and promote responsible firearm ownership, storage and safety to prevent children and unauthorized persons from accessing weapons.

He also cited the proposed SMART Kids Act, which seeks stronger safeguards against harmful online content and practices, as well as the proposed social media ban for children, which he said is among the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council priorities.

Sen. Mark Villar likewise called for a comprehensive approach to school safety, saying prevention and early intervention should be at the center of the government’s response.

Villar renewed his push for Senate Bill No. 2321, or the proposed LIGTAS Act, which seeks a nationwide safety and security framework for basic education institutions. The measure includes threat assessment and reporting mechanisms, coordination between schools and law enforcement, emergency response protocols, parent notification systems, first-aid preparedness, regular drills and crisis counseling.

He also cited Senate Bill No. 2133, or the proposed Students’ Guidance Counseling Act, which seeks to strengthen guidance and school-based mental health services and expand students’ access to qualified professionals.

“School safety is not only about securing our gates and classrooms,” Villar said. “Kailangan din nating magkaroon ng sistema na kayang makakita ng warning signs at mga taong handang makinig, gumabay, at tumulong sa ating mga estudyante bago pa lumala ang isang sitwasyon.”

The senators expressed condolences to the families of those killed and to the students, teachers, parents and school personnel affected by the shooting, stressing that schools must remain safe spaces where children can learn without fear.