Alfred Vargas eyes CCTVs in QC public schools amid violence concerns

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas on Tuesday said he would push for the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in public schools across the city amid growing concerns over school violence.

The proposal comes after a deadly school shooting in Tacloban City that left at least three students dead and 13 others injured, as well as stabbings involving students in Cavite.

READ: Tacloban City school shooting planned weeks before, say police

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“As a parent, I am deeply concerned by recent reports of violent incidents in schools,” Vargas said in a statement.

He stressed that parents and guardians play a key role in ensuring children’s safety and well-being and said that negligent or permissive parents should also be held accountable.

“We need to take proactive steps to ensure that our children are safe and protected against bullying, harassment, and violence,” the councilor said.

Vargas also called for a coordination meeting involving the city government, the Department of Education, the Philippine National Police, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders.

READ: DepEd, PNP alarmed by 2 school stabbing incidents in Cavite

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As an initial measure, he said he would seek funding from the DepEd Schools Division Office of Quezon City to install CCTV cameras in all public schools in the city.

He added that he intends to push for other legislative measures to ensure the safety of children inside and outside school premises. /mcm

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