MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is urging youth leaders from the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to actively participate in school safety efforts by helping identify early warning signs of potential violence among young people in their communities.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. underscored that local youth officials are best positioned to assist law enforcement because they are directly connected with students at the barangay level.
His call follows a recent firearm attack at a school in South Cotabato, marking the third such incident reported since June.
“Sangguniang Kabataan officials are in the better position to be active partners in monitoring the youth in their barangays. They are closest to the students and can help us identify early warning signs, report concerns, and guide young people toward positive activities,” said Nartatez.
Nartatez highlighted the crucial role SK officials can play on social media platforms, where they frequently interact with fellow youths.
He cited a recent intervention where public reports regarding alarming social media posts led police to intercept two students—aged 13 and 18—who had posed with firearms online. The 13-year-old Grade 8 student, who included a concerning caption with his photo, was subsequently provided counseling alongside his guardians by the PNP Women and Children Protection Desk and local officials.
“These two incidents are proof of the importance of not only cooperation but also the trust and confidence of the people to their police. Our personnel on the ground did not fail the expectation of the people for quick response on matters pertaining to public safety and protection,” Nartatez said.
To build on this approach, local police units have been instructed to collaborate with SK councils for early risk detection and to expand joint youth programs centered on sports, leadership, and anti-violence awareness.
Supported by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), local government units, and the Department of Education (DepEd), the initiative aims to establish accessible reporting channels to address potential safety concerns before they escalate.