Police and forensic personnel investigate the scene of the shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University campus in Zamboanga City on Tuesday, August 18, as authorities trace the firearms used and examine possible security lapses. Photo courtesy of PNP.
The fatal shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University has pushed senators to call for stricter firearm controls, stronger campus protection and a reassessment of policies governing children in conflict with the law.
Sen. Chiz Escudero on Wednesday sought a review of Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, following recent violent incidents involving minors. He said lawmakers should examine whether gaps in implementation were weakening existing mechanisms for accountability and rehabilitation.
Escudero also pointed to broader concerns involving gun storage, school security, mental health and young people’s exposure to violent material online and in video games.
Sen. Loren Legarda, meanwhile, focused on firearm access, stressing that authorities should establish how the weapon used in the Zamboanga shooting reached a minor and whether existing rules on gun safekeeping were being properly enforced.
She said firearm owners carry a duty to prevent children and other unauthorized individuals from accessing weapons, while also noting the possible influence of violent content in both online and offline spaces.
Sen. Pia Cayetano called for stronger mental health support and tighter school safety measures, citing funding for up to 10,000 school counselor positions under the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.
Cayetano also urged closer coordination among the Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Department of Information and Communications Technology and Department of Education on student safety and child protection.
The AdZU attack, which left two students dead, including the suspected shooter, has now widened into a policy debate over firearm access, juvenile justice, campus security and mental health support. Lawmakers are pressing authorities to determine how the weapons reached a minor and whether changes in enforcement or legislation are needed.