Police fortify campuses

By Jennifer P. Rendon and Glazyl M. Jopson

Police forces and education officials across the Visayas moved swiftly to reinforce campus security in the aftermath of the deadly Tacloban City school shooting, ordering everything from metal detectors and intensified intelligence monitoring to a renewed crackdown on the safekeeping of service firearms.

In Iloilo City, security adjustments would be made in learning institutions following the deadly incident.

Colonel Wilbert Parilla, Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director, said that personnel of the ICPO Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) and Community Affairs and Development Unit (CCADU) met with representatives of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Parilla said the meeting between the ICPO officers and the Iloilo City Schools Division Office revolved on how to strengthen security and safety protocols following the June 22 Tacloban City school shooting incident that killed three students and injured 20 others.

Among all things, the two camps agreed was the purchase of metal detectors to be used by school security personnel.

Parilla said they also asked Divisions School Superintendent Dr. Ma. Luz de los Reyes to instruct school authorities to review closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed at school premises to make sure that they’re functional.

De los Reyes also moved for the conduct of a refresher training course for security guards on the handling of minors and how to detect a student carrying deadly weapons.

The city police chief said they also discussed identification of high-risk schools for possible intervention and security enhancement, police deployment strategies, and the review of standard operating procedures for security guards.

The discussion also covered the conduct of lectures and advocacy campaigns on anti-bullying, violence prevention, and other school safety concerns.

School officials were likewise encouraged to immediately contact emergency responders through the National Emergency Hotline 911 or the ICPO hotlines at 0908-377-0194 and 335-0299 during emergencies.

Parilla emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and educational institutions in ensuring a safe and secure learning environment.

“The safety and security of our learners, teachers, and school personnel remain a shared responsibility. Through strong collaboration and proactive measures, we can better prevent incidents and ensure that our schools remain safe spaces for learning,” he said.

Parilla also encouraged school officials, parents, and the community to remain vigilant and immediately report any threats or suspicious activities to the authorities.

METAL DETECTORS, ANTI-BULLYING DRIVE

The Department of Education (DepEd)-6 has recommended that schools procure metal detectors and install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras following the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22.

Hernani Escullar Jr., regional information officer of DepEd-6, said the agency has proposed that Schools Division Superintendents move to procure security equipment and strengthen campus safety.

The regional office also recommended stricter bag inspections and increased law enforcement presence around school premises, including the deployment of security guards and barangay tanods.

“Our recommended action is for police and other law enforcement entities to maintain a visible presence around the perimeter of schools,” Escullar said in a radio interview.

The recommendations come after student suspects claimed the shooting was linked to bullying.

Escullar added that DepEd-6 is calling for stronger anti-bullying advocacy in schools.

The move complements Memorandum Order No. 2026-13-1137, issued by DepEd in May ahead of the opening of classes, directing schools to intensify the implementation of anti-bullying measures.

Under the memorandum, schools are required to adopt localized anti-bullying policies, submit these to their respective Schools Division Offices, and incorporate them into learner handbooks.

Private schools were likewise directed to comply.

The agency also requires schools to display information and education campaign materials against bullying and violence in strategic locations, and to incorporate anti-bullying reminders into flag ceremonies and school announcements.

DepEd-6 noted that no school-related incidents have been recorded in the region since classes opened this month.

The region has 2,841 public schools.

INTELLIGENCE MONITORING

In neighboring Negros, the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has stepped up intelligence monitoring, community engagement, and security measures in schools following recent incidents of violence involving students.

Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, acting regional director of PRO-NIR, said the initiative aims to strengthen preventive measures through early intervention, intelligence gathering, and closer coordination with schools and communities.

“School safety is a shared responsibility,” Cardiño said, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration among schools, parents, local government units (LGUs), and community stakeholders to maintain a safe learning environment.

As part of the directive, intelligence units have been ordered to intensify open-source intelligence (OSINT) and social media monitoring to verify reports of threats and concerning online content.

The move comes amid social media discussions linking some violent incidents to online activities, music preferences, and gaming platforms.

However, PRO-NIR clarified that gaming alone should not be considered an indicator of criminal behavior, stressing that interventions will focus only on credible threats supported by intelligence validation.

Cardiño also directed police units to strengthen coordination with the DepEd, school administrators, guidance counselors, barangay officials, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), and LGUs to identify and address emerging security concerns in educational institutions.

The enhanced security measures follow the June 22 shooting incident in Tacloban City involving two high school students, which reportedly left three students dead and at least 20 others injured.

The regional office also underscored the importance of strengthening Barangay Information Networks (BINs), school-based informants, and community partners to ensure the timely reporting of threats, bullying, intimidation, and other warning signs of potential violence, while maintaining compliance with legal and human rights standards.

To improve preparedness and response capabilities, the regional police office encouraged schools, LGUs, emergency responders, and law enforcement agencies to conduct regular security awareness programs, emergency preparedness training, and simulation exercises.

Schools were likewise urged to review and enhance their security protocols, emergency response plans, and threat assessment procedures to ensure readiness for possible incidents.

Authorities also highlighted the role of early intervention and anti-bullying programs in identifying at-risk individuals and preventing violent behavior before it escalates.

The PRO-NIR assured the public that those responsible for violent acts in schools will face immediate investigation and appropriate legal action.

Cardiño urged the public to promptly report any credible threats or suspicious activities to enable authorities to implement preventive measures.

Meanwhile, police visibility around schools will be increased through intensified patrol operations, security inspections, and surveys.

Additional security measures will also be implemented in churches, transport terminals, malls, and other public areas, particularly during school opening and dismissal hours.

FIREARM ACCOUNTABILITY

The crisis has also turned scrutiny toward how the firearm used in the attack was obtained.

The shooting at San Jose National High School on June 22 left three students dead and several others injured, prompting national concern over school safety and access to firearms.

The PRO-NIR has reminded its personnel of the importance of responsible firearm ownership and strict accountability following the unauthorized use of a police-issued firearm in the fatal school shooting.

The incident, which involved two minor suspects, prompted Cardiño to call on police officers to exercise greater vigilance in handling and safekeeping government-issued firearms.

Cardiño emphasized that firearms must always be secured and kept out of reach of unauthorized individuals, including family members and minors.

He stressed that every police-issued weapon carries a corresponding responsibility to ensure its safety and proper custody at all times.

According to Cardiño, firearm accountability goes beyond compliance with regulations and is a fundamental duty of every member of the Philippine National Police.

To reinforce existing policies, Cardiño instructed unit commanders to regularly remind personnel about firearm safety measures during formations and conduct periodic inspections to verify compliance with security protocols.

He noted that strict observance of firearm safety rules is crucial in preventing accidents, theft, unauthorized use, and other incidents that could put lives at risk and damage public confidence in the police force.

Cardiño also warned that police officers may face administrative, criminal, or civil liability if government-issued firearms are lost, stolen, misused, or involved in incidents resulting from improper handling or storage.

“All government-issued firearms remain under the accountability of the personnel to whom they are entrusted,” he said.

The PRO-NIR reiterated that negligence in safeguarding issued firearms may lead to sanctions, depending on the findings of any investigation.

Cardiño said a police firearm is not merely a symbol of authority but a serious responsibility that must be carried with discipline, professionalism, and a strong commitment to public safety.