Sen. Mark Villar files bill to ensure stronger school security

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Mark A. Villar has filed a bill aimed at instituting stronger security and emergency preparedness measures in schools in response to recent shooting and stabbing incidents involving minor students.

Senate Bill No. 2321 — or the proposed Learning Institution’s Guaranteed Threat Avoidance and Safety Act (Ligtas Act) — seeks to establish a uniform school safety framework for all public and private basic education institutions from kinder to grade 12.

The issue of school security became a nationwide concern after the recent shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City and stabbing incidents in Cavite and Las Piñas.

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READ: DepEd pilots active threat drills in schools to prevent incidents

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“These incidents are painful reminders that violence can happen even in places where our children are supposed to feel safest. We cannot let fear become the norm in schools. We need to act before another life is lost,” Villar said in a mix of English and Filipino in a statement on Thursday.

The following are among the bill’s features:

increased police visibility and coordinated threat assessments

direct emergency hotlines with police, fire, and response units

immediate notification of parents during student emergencies

adequate first-aid and emergency equipment

trained medical personnel and security guards

strategic installation of CCTV cameras

appropriate security screening systems

comprehensive school safety and security training for students and personnel

Another key provision in the bill is the creation of a School Safety Council in every city and municipality, composed of local government, education, police, fire, disaster response, school, and parent representatives.

READ: Less than half of public schools have CCTVs, guards – DepEd

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The council will develop localized safety policies, coordinate emergency response efforts, and monitor schools’ compliance with safety standards.

“The safety of students is all our responsibility. There’s a need for coordination among schools, local governments, law enforcement, emergency responders, teachers, and parents to keep our children safe,” Villar said.

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“Through the Ligtas Act, we want safer and more prepared schools where every Filipino student is protected,” he added. /atm

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