The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Education (DepEd) are set to sign a joint agreement aimed at bolstering security inside school campuses following a deadly shooting incident in Zamboanga City.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed the upcoming policy during a press conference on Wednesday morning at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
“Mayroon na kaming memorandum circular na pipirmahan ng Department of Education,” Remulla announced.
Under the proposed arrangement, village watchmen (barangay tanods) will be granted authority to establish security posts directly inside school grounds to augment existing personnel.
“Ang hinihingi namin ay payagan ang barangay tanod na maglagay ng station sa loob ng mga eskuwelahan,” Remulla explained. “Kasi ang mga barangay tanod kilala nila ‘yang mga batang ‘yan, puwede nilang kausapin, puwede nilang sitahin, so ‘yun ang hinihiling namin na further security step na pumasok doon.”
Remulla pointed out that PNP officers are currently restricted to patrolling perimeter areas outside campuses, leaving a security gap inside school properties where student-related incidents can occur. While DepEd and the PNP previously issued a joint circular directing police officers to monitor public school perimeters nationwide, the new policy aims to secure areas within campus grounds.
Beyond physical security, Remulla noted that the agreement will address campus bullying, citing anti-bullying policies implemented at Ateneo de Manila University as potential models for broader application.
“Incidents of bullying should not be taken lightly… There are steps that we can take together para mangyari iyan, pero may hakbang na kami ng DepEd para dyan,” Remulla emphasized.
The DILG affirmed that investigations into the shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University remain ongoing, while government agencies, local officials, and private institutions continue working to enhance safety protocols against crime, violence, and harassment in schools nationwide.