Metal detectors rolled out in schools in Malolos, Bulacan

MALOLOS CITY — The city government on Thursday began distributing metal detectors to public schools as part of heightened security measures following the deadly shooting at a Tacloban City high school that killed three students.

Acting on the directive of Mayor Christian Natividad, the city government, through Security Officer IV Fernando Durupa, made an emergency purchase of metal detectors for deployment to nearly 60 public elementary, integrated, and secondary schools in Malolos.

Durupa turned over the first batch of the equipment to Schools Division Superintendent Leilanie Samson of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Marcelo H. del Pilar National High School (MHDPNHS) Principal Nova Santiago.

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READ: PNP backing DepEd’s school safety drive after Tacloban shooting

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The initial distribution forms part of the 120 metal detectors procured by the city government. At least 11 schools are expected to receive the devices in the first phase, with the remaining units to be distributed to other public schools.

MHDPNHS, which has nearly 7,600 students, and two other heavily populated integrated schools were prioritized.

Durupa said the move was prompted by the recent shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City and is aimed at preventing similar incidents in Malolos.

READ: School shooting kills 3 students in Tacloban

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Bulacan Police Director Col. Jay Baybayan said the metal detectors would help security personnel detect firearms, bladed weapons, and other deadly objects brought into school premises.

Baybayan said he had also directed all city and municipal police chiefs in Bulacan’s 20 towns and four cities to deploy two police officers at the entrances of every public school to strengthen police visibility and campus security.

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He said about 700 police personnel have been deployed provincewide, including officers assigned to 78 Police Assistance Desks established in schools.

Earlier, Baybayan visited MHDPNHS to meet with school officials, teachers, and students and assured them of the police’s heightened presence outside school campuses.

He also urged students, teachers, and school personnel to remain vigilant against bullying and other forms of school violence, encouraging victims and witnesses to immediately report incidents to school authorities, the nearest police station, or other concerned agencies.

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For emergencies requiring immediate police assistance, Baybayan reminded the public to call the Unified 911 Emergency Hotline, reaffirming the Bulacan Police Provincial Office’s commitment to ensuring safe and secure learning environments across the province./coa