Kuala Lampur, June 25 -- The recent school shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City has sent shockwaves across the Philippines and the wider region. Three students lost their lives, others were injured, and an entire school community has been left traumatised. For many, the incident is difficult to comprehend. School shootings remain exceptionally rare in Southeast Asia, making the tragedy all the more disturbing.

As investigations continue, public discussions have centred on various possible factors, including bullying, access to firearms, social media influences, violent online content, and the backgrounds of the young suspects. Such reactions are understandable. Whenever a tragedy of this magnitude occurs, there is a...