The Department of Education (DepEd) has assured immediate assistance and sustained support for families affected by the shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where three students were killed and seven others were injured.
In a statement on Monday, DepEd Tacloban Schools Division Superintendent Sherlita Palma expressed grief over the incident and extended condolences to the school community as authorities continue their investigation. Both suspects have already been arrested.
“We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families, and the entire school community during this difficult time,” Palma said.
The Schools Division Office said it is maintaining direct coordination with the families of the victims to ensure that needed assistance is delivered without delay.
DepEd officials are also working with the Tacloban City Police Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and local government units to ensure a coordinated response to the incident.
Psychological first aid and psychosocial support services are being arranged for affected students, teachers, and non-teaching personnel as part of the intervention measures.
The agency said the goal is to help the school community cope with the emotional impact of the tragedy while gradually restoring a safe and supportive learning environment.
At the regional level, the DepEd Eastern Visayas office said it remains committed to supporting the affected school and ensuring that coordination with partner agencies continues in the aftermath of the incident.
It also called on the public to join prayers for the victims and their families, adding that further updates will be released through official channels as more information becomes available.
The San Jose Parish in Tacloban City also issued a statement expressing solidarity with the victims, urging the public to pray for those who died and those recovering from injuries.
“In this moment of deep sorrow, we are invited to pause and bring everything to God in prayer,” the parish said, calling for prayers for healing, comfort, and strength for grieving families.
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