The Philippine National Police (PNP) is moving to strengthen coordination with schools and local authorities to ensure the safety of students, particularly during major off-campus activities.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed all Police Regional Offices and local police stations to regularly coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on student safety measures.
The directive follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call, through the guidance of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to reinforce the protection of children after recent cases of school violence and accidents involving students.
“We encourage schools to coordinate with local police stations before conducting major off-campus activities so that proper security assessments, emergency response planning, traffic management, and coordination with rescue and medical services can be undertaken,” Nartatez said.
“Prevention begins with strong partnership and planning,” he added.
President Marcos earlier called for a whole-of-society approach to protect students following recent deadly incidents involving minors. He also directed concerned government agencies to strengthen school safety measures and urged schools to strictly enforce safety protocols during classes and school-related activities.
The DepEd has sought updated safety protocols and increased police visibility after the fatal shooting inside a school in Tacloban City that killed three students.
Police units nationwide have since been instructed to coordinate with school authorities in their areas of responsibility to improve reporting systems and strengthen security arrangements.
Police commanders were also directed to include schools in visibility planning and deployment.
Nartatez said the recent drowning incident involving Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes also underscored the need for stronger coordination before school activities are conducted, especially those held outside school premises.
“Every tragic incident involving students reminds us that safety must always come first. We will strengthen coordination with DepEd, CHED, and local government units to ensure that proper security and safety measures are in place for the safety of learners, especially during major off-campus activities,” Nartatez said.