Group expresses concern over rising violence in campuses

Local

THE Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) raised concern over the increasing incidents of violence in schools.

The group said bullying-related cases are becoming more severe and have resulted in physical attacks in different parts of the country.

CEAP described schools as spaces that are increasingly under pressure. “Schools, meant to be sanctuaries of learning, growth and formation, are now turning into places of fear and violence,” the organization said, as reported by The Philippine STAR.

The statement was issued following a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban on Monday, where two minors entered classrooms and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of three students and injuries to five others.

It also came after a separate incident last week at Bethel Academy in General Trias City, where a 14-year-old Grade 8 student carrying a kitchen knife entered a Grade 5 classroom and injured seven students.

Education groups say bullying has not only persisted but has also taken on more serious forms over time. CEAP pointed out that these developments betray systemic flaws in how student behavior is managed within school systems.

At the center of these concerns is the issue of prevention. Stakeholders have noted that some violent incidents occur after early warning signs are overlooked. Limited counseling services and gaps in implementation of anti-bullying policies continue to affect how schools respond.

CEAP also made it prominent that student behavior is shaped by influences beyond the classroom, including home environments and peer relationships.

In response, the organization called for stronger coordination across the education sector. It urged schools and policymakers to expand mental health programs and reinforce values formation initiatives.

CEAP called on the government, the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and other stakeholders to pursue holistic reform that prioritizes integral human development.

The group also stressed the importance of training teachers and school staff to recognize early warning signs of aggression among students.

CEAP further emphasized that addressing school violence requires cooperation beyond school walls. Families and communities, it said, play a critical role in shaping student behavior and supporting prevention efforts.(Feirnchae M. Lim, UP Cebu Comm Intern)