"Nagkakaroon din pala ng shootings sa schools sa Philippines."
That was my son's reaction when news about the tragic school shooting in Tacloban City broke out.
His words stayed with me because they reflected what many Filipinos were likely thinking. For years, school shootings felt like a problem that belonged elsewhere, particularly in the United States. We watched stories about Columbine, Sandy Hook, and other tragedies with sadness, but also with the belief that such horrors were far removed from our own schools and communities.
This week, that belief was shaken.
Three students were killed and more than 20 others injured when two of their schoolmates, aged 14 and 15, allegedly opened fire inside a classroom. The fact that the suspects were minors is perhaps the most disturbing part of the story.
As authorities investigate what happened, attention has turned to the online world. One of the suspects reportedly played GoreBox, a violent video game that has since been temporarily blocked while investigators determine whether it had any influence on the attacker.
It is important not to jump to conclusions. Millions of young people play video games without becoming violent. Yet this tragedy reminds us that today's children are growing up in a digital environment unlike any previous generation.
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Their world extends far beyond their homes, schools, and neighborhoods. Through their phones and computers, they are exposed to ideas, influences, and online contents from across the globe—some positive, others deeply troubling.
Technology companies play a major role in shaping that environment. But parents also face a growing challenge: knowing not only where their children are physically, but where they are digitally.
The Tacloban shooting also raises another difficult question. How did two minors gain access to firearms?
Investigators are still determining how the weapons were obtained, but the incident highlights the importance of responsible gun ownership and accountability. Access to a firearm can turn a moment of anger, confusion, or poor judgment into a tragedy.
The attack also exposed a lack of preparedness. Authorities noted that many students and teachers did not know how to respond when gunfire erupted. Schools regularly conduct earthquake and fire drills, but few are prepared for this kind of emergency.
School shootings remain rare in the Philippines. But rare does not mean impossible.
When my son said, "Nagkakaroon din pala ng shootings sa schools sa Philippines," I heard more than surprise. I heard the loss of a belief that such tragedies only happen elsewhere.
The future is already in our children's hands. Our responsibility is to ensure that we do everything possible to keep them safe—in school, at home, and increasingly, online.
