Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) is eyeing best practices by neighboring countries to boost safety in schools, including banning of gadgets and deployment of community security forces. The PNP is ready to be a part of the Joint School Safety Task Force proposed by the Department of Education (DepEd), which will conduct site-specific security audits in public schools, according to a news release over the weekend.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized the role of community watchers, known as "tanod," in securing the more than 49,000 public and private schools across the country. There are over 42,000 villages, and these community security forces could act as force multipliers to enhance school safety.
Nartatez highlighted that the PNP would study security measures discussed during the ASEANAPOL (Association of Southeast Asian Nations Chiefs of Police) Conference, which the Philippines hosted in July. This follows a gun attack in Tacloban City on June 22 that resulted in the deaths of three students. Nartatez noted that some schools in other countries have banned the use of gadgets like cellular phones, alongside implementing various projects and programs to bolster safety.
These initiatives and programs will be discussed with the DepEd and the Department of the Interior and Local Government once the task force is activated. Nartatez has also directed the newly designated Anti-Cybercrime Group chief, Maj. Gen. Andre Perez Dizon, to enhance surveillance and actions against cyber-related threats.
Nartatez pointed out the importance of stronger coordination and actions against online spaces that promote or glorify violence, citing a recent incident in South Cotabato on September 18, which resulted in the death of three minors, including the shooter.
Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, Officer-in-Charge of the National Capital Region Police Office, stated that they would focus on strengthening coordination with local government units, school administrators, security personnel, and other stakeholders to enhance school safety across Metro Manila. He reassured parents, students, and school communities that there is no cause for panic, emphasizing an approach focused on prevention, improved coordination, and responding to risks based on facts and credible information.
