The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered all units nationwide to support strengthened school safety measures being implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) following a recent incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the police organization will fully back the nationwide school security program initiated by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, which aims to ensure safer learning environments for students, teachers, and school personnel.
The directive is in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s instruction, through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) under Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to intensify school security measures nationwide.
“The PNP fully supports the directives of President Marcos Jr. and Secretary Angara to strengthen school safety nationwide. We have directed all police regional and local units to closely coordinate with DepEd officials, conduct security assessments, increase police visibility around schools, and actively participate in intelligence-sharing and threat monitoring efforts,” Nartatez said.
He added that the objective is to balance heightened security presence with a community-based approach that prioritizes prevention and trust-building.
“Our approach is community-oriented and preventive rather than intrusive,” he said. “Police officers deployed near schools will engage with students, teachers, and parents in a professional manner while ensuring rapid response to concerns.”
Nationwide school safety measures
DepEd has launched a multi-agency initiative following the Tacloban incident, which includes a nationwide school safety audit, increased police visibility in school areas, policy reviews on campus security, and funding allocations for security equipment and infrastructure improvements.
PNP units have been instructed to coordinate closely with DepEd field offices to assist in security assessments and preventive operations in schools across the country.
Authorities said the presence of police personnel in schools is intended to deter potential threats while ensuring that learners can pursue education in a safe and secure environment.
The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to strengthen school safety protocols amid growing concerns over security incidents involving minors in educational settings.