Public schools in San Juan City will soon feature heightened security checks as the local government moves to purchase walk-through and handheld metal detectors.
The initiative follows the September 10 approval of a resolution by the San Juan Local School Board (LSB), led by Mayor Francis Zamora. Announced on Sunday, September 13, the resolution allocates funding to procure the screening equipment aimed at fortifying existing campus safety protocols.
Once deployed, the devices will assist personnel in screening students, staff, and visitors entering academic facilities.
“The walk-through metal detectors would provide an additional layer of security at school entrances, while the handheld units would allow security personnel and designated school personnel to conduct supplementary screening when necessary,” the city government stated.
Procurement will proceed under existing government purchasing regulations.
“This initiative reflects our continued commitment to strengthening campus security and protecting the safety and well-being of our students, teachers, and school personnel,” Zamora said.
The city’s action aligns with a broader push by the Department of Education (DepEd), which announced plans in August to distribute metal detectors to public schools nationwide to deter individuals from bringing dangerous items onto campuses.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara previously highlighted the national effort following high-profile violent events in school grounds, including a mass shooting in Tacloban City and a deadly shooting in Zamboanga City.