Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed new guidelines issued by the Department of Education (DepEd) regulating police activities and the presence of firearms on school premises to help ensure the safety of learners.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. directed police units to coordinate with school heads before conducting school activities and to refrain from displaying or bringing firearms into classrooms and learning areas during routine school engagements, consistent with applicable rules and operational requirements.
'The safety and well-being of our children remain our priority. Police presence in schools should provide a sense of security and partnership, not fear or intimidation,' said Nartatez, adding that this is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to strengthen child protection and public safety.
'As such, we respect the guidelines issued by DepEd. Our personnel will comply with the requirements on proper attire, coordination, and the carrying or display of firearms inside school premises,' he added.
The directive came after DepEd Camarines Norte issued Memorandum No. 315, series of 2026, which requires police officers, soldiers, and other uniformed personnel visiting schools to wear Type C uniforms or other non-combat attire.
It also prohibits the display of firearms and other weapons inside classrooms and learning areas. Armed patrols, checkpoints, and enforcement operations are likewise not allowed inside school grounds under the memorandum.
Under the Camarines Norte policy, activities involving uniformed personnel must first be coordinated with the school head and endorsed to the Schools Division Office. These include safety lectures, anti-drug campaigns, disaster preparedness drills, and community outreach activities.
'We remind our personnel to strictly observe these guidelines when conducting activities in schools. Coordinate with school authorities and ensure that every engagement is conducted with professionalism and respect for the school as a safe learning environment,' Nartatez said.
