PNP backing DepEd's school safety drive after Tacloban shooting

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Friday said the national police force is fully supporting the Department of Education’s (DepEd) nationwide school safety drive following the fatal shooting incident at a Tacloban City high school.

“The police organization will fully support the nationwide school security initiatives being implemented by Education Secretary Sonny Angara to ensure the safety of learners, teachers, and school personnel nationwide,” Nartatez said in a statement on Friday.

“We have directed all police regional and local units to closely coordinate with DepEd officials, conduct security assessments, increase police visibility around schools, and actively participate in intelligence-sharing and threat-monitoring efforts,” he added.

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READ: Angara directs nationwide drive to boost school safety measures

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Last Monday, two students, aged 14 and 15, opened fire at the San Jose National High School campus in Tacloban City, killing three fellow students and wounding at least 20 others.

The two minors were taken into police custody and then turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

In response to the incident, on Thursday, DepEd launched a nationwide effort to strengthen school safety measures, which include a review of existing safety policies and the allocation of funds for security equipment.

“Our approach is community-oriented and preventive rather than intrusive. Police officers deployed near schools will engage with students, teachers, and parents in a professional and approachable manner, focusing on safety, trust-building, and rapid response to concerns,” Nartatez explained.

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“We want our presence to provide reassurance and confidence, not anxiety, while ensuring that potential threats are deterred before they escalate,” he added.

Nartatez previously said the agency will deploy more police officers around schools in a bid to curb violence.

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On Thursday, however, Nartatez said the national police force was considering coordinating with DepEd to allow police officers to participate in school activities inside their campuses. /gsg

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