Manila:The Department of Education (DepEd) 6 (Western Visayas) has instructed all school division superintendents in the region to ensure the visibility of police officers or law enforcers and coordinate with barangay tanods in their area for strengthened security.

According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd-6 Information Officer Hernani Escullar Jr. expressed their sadness over an incident at the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, a place considered safe for children. DepEd Regional Director Cristito Eco emphasized the need for police visibility outside schools perceived to be 'high risk' to serve as a deterrent. Schools are encouraged to coordinate with local officials for the procurement of metal detectors and installation of additional closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) at school gates and other areas. No-contact bag checks and roving inspections are also suggested.

In addition to tightened security measures, schools are advised to reinforce their anti-bullying campaigns. Escullar noted that school heads should advocate against bullying during flag-raising ceremonies, highlighting that there is no place for bullying in schools. The activation of learner rights protection (LRP) offices and hotlines for victims of bullying are also recommended for timely intervention.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) coordinated with the DepEd Iloilo City Schools Division to further enhance school security and safety protocols. Discussions covered the operation and maintenance of CCTV cameras, the role of first responders during emergencies, child protection program implementation, identification of high-risk schools, police deployment strategies, and security guards' standard operating procedures.

Additional topics included lectures and advocacy campaigns on anti-bullying, violence prevention, and other school safety issues. School officials are encouraged to contact emergency responders via the National Emergency Hotline 911 or ICPO hotlines during emergencies. ICPO Director Col. Wilbert Parilla urged school officials, parents, and the community to remain vigilant and report any threats or suspicious activities to authorities, fostering a culture of safety, preparedness, and resilience in schools.