Bicol: The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) has ramped up its efforts to ensure the safety, order, and peace in schools across the region by increasing school patrols and launching anti-bullying campaigns. Personnel have been actively collaborating with local police stations to address security concerns in educational environments.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative aims to prevent violence, crime, and other security threats to students, teachers, and school staff. PRO-5 spokesperson Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib stated in a phone interview that the program covers all schools throughout the Bicol Region. Since the commencement of classes, police personnel have been assigned to conduct regular patrols, visibility operations, and engagement activities in both public and private schools.
Calubaquib emphasized that police officers are deployed daily, particularly during school opening and dismissal hours, when student movement is at its peak. The operations are tailored based on security assessments of each locality, with ongoing patrols throughout the day to maintain a secure environment for students and school communities.
In addition to physical patrols, police officers have been conducting information drives and lectures aimed at preventing bullying, school violence, and other forms of abuse. The anti-bullying lectures focus on helping students recognize different types of bullying, identify warning signs, and understand how to effectively prevent and respond to such incidents. Students are encouraged to report bullying, respect others, promote kindness and inclusivity, and understand the legal and social consequences of bullying.
Cyberbullying and online harassment are also addressed in their awareness campaigns. Calubaquib noted that students are educated on responsible social media use, online safety, digital etiquette, and the proper reporting of cyber-related offenses. Cyber patrollers actively monitor online activities and work with authorities to tackle incidents of cyberbullying and other cybercrimes affecting students.
The police maintain close and proactive partnerships with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to bolster campus security in the region. Recently, a coordinative meeting with DepEd and CHED reviewed existing security measures in both basic and higher education institutions.
Parents are also encouraged to cooperate with teachers and authorities by promptly reporting any incidents that may impact the safety and well-being of students.
