Mayor Efren Guntrano "Gungun" Gica of Dumanjug, Cebu announced a "complete, total ban" on cellphones and a "no inspection, no entry" policy in all schools in his municipality, following a tragic school shooting in Tacloban City. The ban was set to take effect on June 29, 2026, but was temporarily suspended after a meeting with school officials, police, and disaster response heads.
Background of the Incident
On June 22, 2026, two students aged 14 and 15 opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, killing three and wounding 13 others. The incident prompted immediate reactions from local officials across the country, including Mayor Gica, who sought to prevent a similar tragedy in his jurisdiction.
Details of the Proposed Ban
The mayor's executive order aimed to enforce a strict prohibition on cellphone use by students within school premises. Unlike the existing Department of Education (DepEd) policy, which only bans cellphone use during class hours but does not confiscate devices, Mayor Gica's order would have imposed a total ban and required inspections at school entrances. Parents who opposed the ban were given the option to enroll their children in other towns.
DepEd's Response and Review
The Department of Education requested a copy of the mayor's executive order or the ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Bayan to assess whether it aligns with national guidelines. DepEd currently prohibits cellphone use during class but does not mandate confiscation. The agency emphasized that any local policy must be consistent with its regulations.
Debate on Effectiveness
The mayor's action raises the question: can a total cellphone ban prevent school shootings? According to experts, there is no study establishing a direct link between cellphone use among minors and school shootings. Parents argue that cellphones allow them to contact their children during emergencies, including natural disasters or violent incidents like the Tacloban shooting.
Alternative Measures Suggested
While the cellphone ban is under review, some officials suggest that stricter enforcement of gun control and security measures at school entrances may be more effective. As a local from Cabadiangan noted, "If there are no guns, there will be no shootings." The focus should be on preventing weapons from entering schools rather than banning cellphones.
