A tragic incident rocked San Jose National High School (SJNHS) in Tacloban City when two minors opened fire on June 22, resulting in the deaths of three students and injuries to 20 others. This unprecedented event has prompted widespread concern over school safety and the mental health of the affected community. In the aftermath, efforts have been made to provide psychosocial support to help the community heal from the trauma.
For three days following the incident, the SJNHS community engaged in a collective effort to begin the healing process. Julienne Rose Peñaranda-Saballa, a registered guidance counselor from the Department of Education (DepEd) Tacloban Schools Division, spearheaded the initiative. She led the development of a program aimed at providing psychological first aid (PFA) to over 500 individuals, including students, parents, and teachers. The sessions took place at the St. Roch the Healer Parish church and the San Jose Parish church in Tacloban City.
The initial phase of the program ran from June 24 to June 26. On the first day, the focus was on teachers, followed by "high-risk" students—those who had directly witnessed the shooting or were close to the victims. The final day was dedicated to the broader student population. These sessions included art therapy exercises, storytelling, and techniques such as the butterfly hug method, which involved self-affirmations and breathing exercises designed to promote emotional well-being.
Community members expressed fears regarding their safety and security, particularly those who had witnessed the shooting firsthand. Survivor's guilt was also prevalent among some individuals, as they grappled with the reality of having survived while others did not. Even the color of the school walls, which were painted blue, triggered anxiety within the community.
To address these concerns, plans are underway to repaint the school next week. Additionally, the city government has taken steps to enhance security measures at the school, including the installation of stronger perimeter fencing, additional CCTV cameras, and emergency panic buttons. These actions aim to restore a sense of safety and normalcy for the students and staff.
As the community continues its healing journey, discussions are ongoing about the potential transition to modular distance learning starting in July. However, the decision to resume in-person classes at SJNHS remains under consideration. Saballa emphasized the importance of consolidating reports and recommendations from PFA providers before making any final decisions. Insights gained from these sessions will play a crucial role in shaping future strategies for supporting the affected students.
Long-term initiatives are also being planned, focusing on building upon the network established during the response. These efforts aim to ensure sustained support for the community beyond the immediate aftermath of the incident. As the situation evolves, continued collaboration between local authorities, educators, and mental health professionals will be essential in addressing both the visible and invisible scars left by this tragic event.
2 reports
RapplerIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 958 days agoA fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City left three students dead and 20 injured, sparking concerns over school safety in the Philippines. In response, mental health professionals, including guidance counselor Julienne Rose Peñaranda-Saballa, implemented a psychological first aid (PFA) program to support affected students, teachers, and families. The initiative, which included art therapy exercises and group discussions, aimed to provide emotional support and foster community healing. While some progress has been made, many individuals still express lingering fears and trauma, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing the psychological impact of such incidents.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the incident and the subsequent psychological support efforts, focusing on factual reporting rather than taking a clear ideological stance. It highlights both the immediate crisis and the community's gradual recovery without overtly favoring any political立场
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 95): The article accurately reports the number of casualties, the date of the incident, and the response efforts. It presents facts objectively and avoids taking sides or using emotionally charged language.
GMA News OnlineIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 9012 days agoA 15-year-old student in Tacloban, Philippines, allegedly shot and killed multiple classmates at their school before turning himself in. According to reports, the teenager reportedly asked, 'Makukulong ba 'ko?' which translates to 'Will they put me in jail?' during the incident. The event has sparked discussions about youth violence and mental health in schools. Authorities have confirmed the incident but have not yet released detailed information about the number of casualties or the exact circumstances leading to the attack.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on a violent incident involving a minor, focusing on the event itself without overtly criticizing or praising any political entity or ideology. While the issue of youth violence and mental health could be seen as politically sensitive, the article does not take,
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 90): The article provides specific details about the shooter asking 'Makukulong ba 'ko?' which aligns with the cross-source consensus. It focuses on the incident itself without adding speculative information. The tone remains neutral and factual.
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