SOUTH COTABATO — Senior Deputy Speaker and South Cotabato 2nd District Representative Ferdinand L. Hernandez expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the shooting incident at Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato, and conveyed his support to the students, teachers, parents and the entire school community affected by the tragedy.

In a statement issued Friday, Hernandez said he and his family share in the grief of those affected by the incident and assured them of his willingness to coordinate with concerned government agencies to determine what assistance could be extended to the affected families.

“Handa tayong makipag-coordinate sa mga concerned agencies para sa anumang tulong na maaaring maibigay sa mga pamilyang apektado,” Hernandez said.

He also urged the public to refrain from speculation while authorities conduct their investigation, stressing the need to respect the privacy and dignity of the students involved.

“Hayaan nating gawin ng proper authorities ang kanilang trabaho, habang pinangangalagaan natin ang pribado at dignidad ng mga batang nasasangkot,” he said.

The senior lawmaker also called for immediate measures to strengthen school security, including preventing the entry of weapons into schools and improving early intervention and emergency response mechanisms.

“Kailangan agarang palakasin ang school safety, pigilan ang pagpasok ng anumang armas sa paaralan, at pagbutihin ang early intervention at emergency response,” Hernandez said.

He likewise emphasized the responsibility of ensuring that children are safe while inside school premises.

“Ipinagkakatiwala ng bawat magulang ang kanilang anak sa paaralan. Dapat gawin natin ang lahat upang makauwi silang ligtas,” he said