Iloilo agencies boost school security, child protection

By Jennifer P. Rendon

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo City Police Office has taken another step to strengthen the security of students and the public.

To advance its commitment to child protection and public safety, the ICPO held a coordination meeting with representatives of the Department of Education-Iloilo City and the City Social Welfare and Development Office on Aug. 3 at the Schools Division Office on General Luna and Mabini streets in Iloilo City.

ICPO Director Col. Wilbert Parilla represented the police office and was joined by Deputy Director for Operations Col. Jereme Belo, Community Affairs and Development Unit Assistant Chief and ICPO spokesperson Maj. Shella Mae A. Sangrines, and ICPO legal officer Maj. Warren Calzado.

Schools Division Superintendent Ma. Luz de los Reyes led the Department of Education-Iloilo City delegation.

Social welfare officers Sarah Panelo and Marelice Silvederio represented the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

Parilla said the participants discussed stronger interagency coordination in addressing concerns affecting students, including public safety issues, child protection cases, and other incidents requiring a coordinated response.

The ICPO, DepEd-Iloilo City, and CSWDO also reviewed existing protocols, referral mechanisms, preventive programs, and joint initiatives to ensure timely responses and effective case management involving students.

The discussion highlighted the importance of collective action in promoting a safe, secure, and child-friendly learning environment.

Parilla said representatives of the ICPO, DepEd-Iloilo City, and CSWDO proposed several initiatives, including multiagency workshops, simulation exercises, and advocacy programs for public and private schools.

The proposed exercises would cover scenarios involving illegal drugs, cyberbullying, child protection cases, disaster response, and other public safety concerns.

“I believe that ensuring the safety and security of our learners requires help from various stakeholders,” Parilla said.

He added that the ICPO remains committed to strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to address public safety concerns and provide a safer environment for students and the wider Iloilo City community.

The coordination meeting followed incidents in which high school students were reportedly caught carrying marijuana on school campuses.