A party-list lawmaker is urging national agencies and school administrators to step up public information efforts on school safety hotlines and reporting mechanisms to help ensure quicker reporting and response to potential threats in educational institutions.
Pinoy Workers Party-list Rep. Karl Legaspi called on the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and private schools to immediately disseminate clear guidelines on where and how to report suspicious activities.
He also emphasized the need to educate the public on what types of behavior, messages, or online activity should be flagged to authorities.
During a recent press briefing, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said he received a tip from Senator Bam Aquino on June 24 regarding a social media post by a minor that raised security concerns.
Remulla said the post contained language and indicators similar to those linked to minors involved in the recent San Jose National High School incident in Tacloban. Authorities were able to trace the post and promptly coordinate with the minor’s parents.
Legaspi stressed that reporting suspicious activity should not be equated with making an accusation, saying it is a preventive tool for authorities to assess possible threats.
“Reporting suspicious activities is not the same as accusing someone of wrongdoing. It simply allows our authorities to assess the situation, determine whether there is a credible threat, and take the necessary steps to protect the safety of our communities,” he said.
He added that proper public awareness can encourage citizens to report potential risks without fear of wrongly accusing individuals.
The House Committee on Basic Education is set to convene on June 29, 2026, where the Department of Education is expected to present its report on school violence incidents and ongoing safety measures.