Tacurong city: The Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) in Tacurong City has declared a 'state of heightened alert' across all campus premises starting Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the move was announced by SKSU president Lawyer Cyrus Torre±a in response to recent safety concerns across educational institutions nationwide, following a school shooting incident in Zamboanga City on Tuesday. Torre±a emphasized that the heightened alert aims to protect the life, property, and overall well-being of the academic community. As part of the new measures, enhanced security protocols and entry procedures will be strictly enforced.

All individuals entering the university campus will be required to undergo mandatory inspections conducted by campus security personnel. Torre±a stated that only the main gate will serve as the entrance and exit point from now on, and this measure will remain in place until further notice. Additionally, the main campus in Tacurong City and other SKSU sub-campuses in at least seven towns of the province must remain free from guns and other volatile materials.

He further declared that the possession of prohibited drugs, hazardous chemicals, and flammable substances is strictly forbidden on campus grounds. Torre±a also urged members of the university community to maintain vigilance at all times and to report any suspicious persons, objects, or activities immediately to security officers or university authorities. "The safety of everyone is our priority," he stated.