The Philippine National Police (PNP) has turned over a list of security recommendations to the Department of Education (DepEd) aimed at protecting campuses nationwide after a recent wave of school violence.
PCol. Allen Rae Co, the acting PNP spokesperson, explained that the proposals focus heavily on forming tighter partnerships with barangay officials and local community watchmen to boost security outside school gates.
He emphasized that under current guidelines, law enforcement cannot simply patrol inside school grounds because campuses are legally protected as “zones of peace.”
While advanced screening technology and extra staff would be ideal, the PNP acknowledged that budget constraints are a major hurdle for schools.
“We’ve already given our recommendations to the DepEd regarding how to obtain security in our schools… we understand that it’s not in the budget, such as X-ray machines, metal detectors, and hiring new security guards, but there are alternatives,” Co said.
In tandem with these recommendations, PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. issued a directive to all field commanders, ordering them to immediately increase police visibility and monitoring around educational institutions in their sectors.
The security push follows multiple violent encounters on school grounds, including stabbing incidents in General Trias City, Cavite, and a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.
Following the Tacloban shooting, DepEd placed the campus on high alert. The education department assured parents and students that they are cooperating with ongoing investigations while actively providing medical aid and mental health counseling to the affected students.