UMVA has learned that a disturbing incident at a private school in Cavite has sparked renewed calls for stronger school safety and support systems. A Grade 8 student allegedly attacked seven Grade 5 students with a kitchen knife, leaving two victims requiring surgery.
The brutal assault has sent shockwaves through the community, with educators and officials emphasizing the need for adequate personnel and proper student support systems. “Schools must be places where children feel safe and protected at all times,” said the chairperson of a prominent teachers’ group.
The incident has highlighted long-standing gaps in school safety, including a shortage of guidance counselors and psychosocial support personnel. The group noted that teachers are often pulled away from their duties, leaving gaps in supervision and support at critical moments.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the 14-year-old suspect was turned over to local social welfare officials for proper medical and psychological evaluation. The mayor of General Trias City, where the incident occurred, vowed to enforce the law to ensure peace, order, and security in the city.
The Department of Education has pledged to provide support and interventions to the affected learners, while also urging the public to respect the privacy and dignity of all children involved. The agency emphasized that the safety, well-being, and mental health of learners remain top priorities.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Department of Education is facing a significant challenge in addressing the shortage of guidance counselors. With only a few thousand licensed counselors available, the department aims to hire thousands of school counselor associates to address the imbalance in the student-to-guidance counselor ratio nationwide.
The teachers’ group and education officials are calling for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of such incidents and ensure that schools are safe and supportive environments for all students. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing school safety and support systems.
