Tacloban shooting prompts DepEd Mandaue to tighten security in schools

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — The Department of Education (DepEd) Mandaue City Division reinforced security measures in schools following a shooting attack last Monday, June 22 in a public high school in Tacloban City.

Atty. Marinel Oro, the division’s legal officer, said that school principals received reminders to strictly implement DepEd Order No. 6, Series of 2026, which contains guidelines for maintaining a safe and motivating learning environment.

Among the security measures being implemented are inspections at school entrances for visitors, personnel, and students.

READ MORE: Tacloban City school shooting: Latest updates

Atty. Oro said that schools are also conducting non-contact bag inspections using metal-detecting devices to identify prohibited items.

Tacloban shooting worries parents everywhere

“We reminded our school principals to ensure the proper implementation of these security protocols in their schools,” Oro said.

Maricris Cabido of Barangay Cambaro expressed concern for her children following the deadly shooting in Tacloban City, which killed three students and injured at least 20 others.

Cabido, who has a child in kindergarten and another in Grade 7, said she is worried about their safety and hopes stricter security measures will be effectively implemented to protect students.

READ ALSO: Security audit of all Cebu City schools ordered after Tacloban shooting

“Nakuyawan, dili naman maayo ang panahon..dili baya nato mahibaw-an kinsa mosulod dinhi [school] unya naa tay mga estudyante. Dili na baya kasulod mga inahan diri igo nalang hatud ug kuha sa anak,” said Cabido.

Lessons in handling bullies in school

(“I feel frightened. These are not easy times. We really don’t know who might manage to get inside the school where our children are. Mothers can no longer enter; all we can do is drop off or pick up our children.”)

Cabido added that she regularly reminds her children to report any incidents of bullying to their teachers and not retaliate against those responsible.

The DepEd-Mandaue City Division also issued a memorandum reiterating security procedures and coordinated with the local government to strengthen school safety efforts.

Police, security guards in campuses

According to Oro, police personnel from the Mandaue City Police Office have been deployed to schools since the opening of classes and have assisted in maintaining campus security.

Schools also have their own security guards funded through their budget for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE). Additional support may be sought from parent-teacher associations and barangay officials when necessary.

READ ALSO: Tacloban school shooting was planned weeks before — police

Schools may adopt different strategies for managing entry and exit points depending on their layout and security needs. At least one security guard is assigned on duty during school operations.

For visitors, schools need to require proof of identification before letting them in.

While some schools issue visitors’ passes, Oro said that the primary concern is ensuring that visitors are properly identified and do not bring prohibited items into school premises.

Schools as zones of peace

On student welfare, Oro said that DepEd has rolled out revised implementing rules and regulations on bullying. It continues to orient school personnel on the proper handling of bullying cases.

She said that refresher orientations and training sessions will be conducted regularly.

The legal officer said that schools maintain policies against fraternities and sororities. Any incidents involving gang violence are referred to the police and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

LEARN MORE: Classes suspended in all Tacloban public schools after deadly shooting

While some cases have been reported in areas surrounding schools, Oro said that there have been no reported incidents of violence within schools in Mandaue City.

Oro also emphasized that schools are considered “zones of peace,” where firearms, contraband, and other prohibited items are not allowed. She said that the goal is to ensure that students feel safe and secure while attending classes.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.