PNP TO REVIEW SCHOOL SECURITY POLICIES, STRENGTHEN POLICE-SCHOOL COORDINATION

ACTING on the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has ordered a comprehensive review of school security protocols following the deadly shooting by two teenagers at a high school in Tacloban City that left three students dead and 20 others injured.

The alleged shooters were aged 14 and 15 years old, also enrolled in the San Jose National High School.

Speaking at a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co laid out the measures being undertaken by their agency, including a review of the school’s current security protocols and safety measures in all educational institutions.

The PNP recommends that schools with multiple entry and exit points limit access to one or two monitored gates to strengthen security and better regulate the movement of individuals entering the school premises.

The implementation of anti-bullying policies is also being assessed to ensure it is not just on paper but actively enforced.

Apart from this, the PNP vowed to intensify coordination mechanisms among law enforcement agencies, barangay officials, and school authorities to strengthen information sharing and incident response.

“Palalakasin po natin ‘yung coordination mechanism between law enforcement, the barangays, as well as the schools po natin,” Co said.

To improve preparedness, the PNP is eyeing the conduct of simulation exercises and emergency response drills to equip students, teachers, and school personnel with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively during crises, including active shooter incidents.

Co also said the PNP has intensified the deployment of police personnel in schools, while emphasizing the need for stronger support from local communities and local government units, particularly through the assistance of force multipliers such as barangay tanods, to maintain school safety.

“Kasama rito ay humihingi kami ng tulong at suporta ng local community, ng LGU, at lalung-lalo na ng barangay. Makakatulong po iyong mga tinatawag nating force multipliers,” Co said.