TACLOBAN CITY—The Department of Education (DepEd) strongly condemned a horrific school shooting at San Jose National High School on June 22, which left 3 learners dead and 5 others injured. 

Central Office officials immediately swarmed the campus alongside regional and division personnel to secure the premises and work directly with law enforcement. 

Labeling the tragedy a "high-alert situation," the department mobilized swift emergency measures to stabilize the campus environment.

“We strongly condemn this act of violence and extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as our earnest prayers for the swift recovery of those who were injured,” the DepEd stated. 

“Our Central Office officials, alongside regional and division office personnel, are actively on the ground, coordinating closely with school authorities and law enforcement to secure the premises and ensure safety, security, and protection.” DepEd added.

To counter the immediate trauma of the attack, DepEd is partnering with fellow government agencies to provide urgent medical aid and mental health services to the survivors. 

Authorities are simultaneously launching a full-scale investigation into the breach of school safety. 

“To address the immediate emotional toll of this tragedy, the Department is working hand-in-hand with relevant government agencies to deploy critical medical assistance and appropriate psychosocial interventions for the affected learners and personnel,” the department highlighted, while pleading with the public to protect the privacy of the affected children during the ongoing investigation.