Cellphone Ban Takes Effect Immediately
Mayor Efren Guntrano 'Gungun' Gica of Dumanjug, Cebu implemented a total ban on cellular phones inside all school grounds starting June 24, 2026. The policy follows a deadly school shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22, which left three students dead and 20 others injured.
The ban is rolled out in two phases. During the transition period, confiscated phones are returned to students at the end of the school day. Starting June 29, stricter disciplinary rules will apply, with devices held under tougher penalties.
'I will ensure that these policies are strictly and consistently implemented,' Mayor Gica said. 'Moving forward, we will enforce even tighter regulations to guarantee the safety of our students and the entire municipality of Dumanjug.'
Additional Security Measures Enforced
Beyond the cellphone ban, Dumanjug introduced several security upgrades. Restricted campus access now prevents parents and guardians from freely entering school grounds. Mandatory bag inspections at gates are conducted by security guards. A strict weapons ban prohibits firearms, explosives, sharp objects, and other hazardous items, with violators facing confiscation, school punishments, and possible legal action.
Nighttime curfews are enforced by local police. Students in Grade 10 and below must be home by 8 p.m., while those under 18 must comply with a 10 p.m. curfew. Existing laws on smoking and drinking for individuals aged 21 and below are also strictly enforced.
Tacloban Shooting Sparks Regional Response
The Tacloban shooting involved two suspects aged 15 and 14, who spent over a month planning the attack using online messaging platforms. They used guns taken from relatives and had a history of watching violent digital content. This raised concerns about the influence of online spaces on youth.
In response, the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Lapu-Lapu City ordered routine and random bag checks using electronic scanners and metal detectors. DepEd Central Visayas officials met to plan additional safety protocols.
Community and Parental Involvement Stressed
Officials emphasized that schools cannot address youth violence alone. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro stated, 'The government can only do as much. It's also about parenting. As parents, we must keep a close eye on our children and monitor them carefully.' She warned that aggressive political attacks, trolling, and hostility on social media contribute to youth anger.
DepEd Central Visayas Director Arturo Bayocot added, 'It takes the entire village to educate, protect, and nurture the child. It really needs a support system from all sectors of the community. The leaders need to be there to watch, to teach, to guide, to monitor.'
Legal Proceedings Underway
On June 24, 2026, Philippine National Police Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that criminal complaints have been referred to a local prosecutor's office. The 15-year-old suspect, alias Rod, faces three counts of murder, frustrated murder, and multiple counts of serious physical injuries. He and his 14-year-old classmate, alias Nash, were arrested and turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office. Under Philippine law, children aged 15 and below are generally exempt from criminal liability, while those between 15 and 18 can be held responsible if they acted with discernment.
School administrators now face the challenge of funding long-term security measures without diverting resources from classroom learning. Many public schools rely on Parent-Teacher Associations, barangay tanods, and volunteers for support.
