Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) will enhance security measures in remote and underserved communities to support the implementation of the newly enacted Republic Act No. 12321, known as the Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) Schools Act.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed all police units to enhance visibility through regular patrols and community policing activities around public schools in GIDAs and other underserved communities, as part of a news release on Friday. "Access to education must be matched by access to safety. The PNP will continue working with DepEd (Department of Education), LGUs (local government units), and community stakeholders to protect schools, secure education personnel, and promptly address security concerns in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas," Nartatez stated.
President Marcos signed the Last Mile and GIDA Schools Act on July 22, instructing DepEd to implement a national program that improves school infrastructure, learning resources, teacher support, health and feeding programs, water and sanitation facilities, electrification, computerization, and alternative learning delivery. The act also adopts a national school accessibility standard to ensure that learners have access to a basic education school within a walkable distance whenever possible.
Meanwhile, Nartatez directed a thorough investigation into separate attacks on teachers in Aklan and Davao de Oro provinces. "These incidents are deeply concerning. Violence has no place in our schools or communities, and the PNP will pursue impartial and thorough investigations to deliver justice for the victims," he expressed.
A 52-year-old teacher died after allegedly being punched several times by a 19-year-old male during an altercation in New Washington, Aklan, on July 26. Investigators reported that the victim was on board his motorcycle when assaulted, and the suspect is currently under police custody.
In Maco, Davao de Oro, a 55-year-old teacher at Elizalde National High School was assaulted on July 27 by two minor students after reprimanding one of them for wearing an earring, in violation of school policy. Police stated that the student and his brother attacked the teacher, and the two minors were subsequently turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.
