A 23-year-old recent college graduate was shot in the head while boarding a yellow minivan outside Kolehiyo ng Pantukan in Monkayo, Davao de Oro, on June 25, 2026, shortly after attending a graduation ceremony. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed deep concern over the incident, urging authorities and policymakers to take school safety, youth protection, and mental health more seriously, especially following a similar tragedy in Tacloban City.
Details of the Pantukan Incident
The shooting occurred outside the school premises after the victim had just attended his graduation. Reports indicate the victim was rushed to a hospital, while the local government of Pantukan said it was coordinating with authorities and extending assistance to the victim and his family. The Pantukan Municipal Police Office confirmed the incident in a report published on June 29, 2026.
Go lamented the incident, noting it came just days after the Tacloban City school shooting on June 22, where three students were killed and several others injured. Authorities reported that the Tacloban suspects were minors, raising concerns over school security, youth behavior, bullying, access to firearms, and the need for stronger interventions for children and students.
Senator Go’s Statement
“It’s sad that there is another incident like this. It’s only been a few days since we said let’s not wait for another tragedy. Now, it has happened again. How many more incidents must occur before we take security, discipline, guidance for the youth, and mental health support more seriously?” Go said in a statement.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, Go earlier said the Tacloban City school shooting should prompt a serious review of youth-related laws, school safety protocols, and mental health programs. He emphasized that the issue should not be treated only as a peace and order concern but also as a youth welfare issue.
Call for Review of Juvenile Justice Laws
The Tacloban incident has renewed attention on Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, as amended by RA 10630, which governs cases involving children at risk and children in conflict with the law. Go said any review must be careful, evidence-based, and focused on both accountability and rehabilitation.
“If there is something to fix in the current laws and regulations, let’s fix it now. But it should also be clear that children need guidance, intervention, and proper process. Victims must be protected, offenders held accountable according to the law, and wayward youth must be helped,” he said.
Mental Health and School Safety Measures
Go reiterated the need to determine how firearms are accessed and brought near schools or public events, stressing that the safety of students, parents, teachers, and school personnel must be treated as a continuing responsibility. He urged concerned agencies to pursue full investigations into both incidents and asked the public to avoid spreading unverified information.
In relation to mental health support, Go co-authored and co-sponsored RA 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which seeks to strengthen mental health and well-being services in basic education institutions. He also filed Senate Bill No. 176, which proposes the creation of Mental Health Offices in all public higher education institutions nationwide to provide counseling services, trained mental health professionals, and 24/7 mental health hotlines for students.
Need for Early Intervention
Go said the recent incidents show the need to strengthen early intervention systems in schools and communities, particularly for students experiencing bullying, trauma, emotional distress, family problems, or other risk factors. He emphasized that mental health should be treated as a practical public concern, not merely an afterthought after a tragedy.
“I have long been saying that mental health should be given attention. Asking for help should not be shameful. If a child is struggling, there should be someone to talk to, someone to approach, and someone to help before the problem worsens,” he said.
The senator said his office remains ready to extend assistance to affected individuals and families, within its capacity, while continuing to push for measures that protect students and support young people. “I extend my condolences to the victims and their families. Let us pray for their recovery and for the peace of those who lost loved ones. May this be a signal for us to act earlier, more properly, and more seriously for the safety of our youth,” Go said.
