PRO-6 weighs transparent school bags after school shootings

ILOILO CITY — Recent violence on school campuses has prompted the Police Regional Office 6 to strengthen preventive measures and coordination with schools, families, local governments and community partners across Western Visayas.

PRO-6 said it is exploring additional safeguards to protect students throughout the region.

As an immediate step, PRO-6 regional director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño directed provincial and city police directors to coordinate with their respective Department of Education schools division offices and seek an initial assessment of the possible use of transparent plastic school bags.

Tuaño said the discussions aim to determine whether the measure is feasible and acceptable, and whether it could help prevent students from bringing firearms, bladed weapons or other prohibited items onto school grounds.

For now, PRO-6 is seeking only DepEd’s initial assessment, including concerns and suggestions.

If considered, the measure would complement existing safeguards, including police visibility, access controls, early reporting of concerns and emergency response coordination.

DepEd’s April 11, 2025, school safety memorandum lists bag inspections, increased visibility of school security personnel and stricter visitor protocols among preventive measures, alongside mental health and other student support services.

Tuaño cited three school shootings — in Tacloban City, Zamboanga City and, most recently, Banga, South Cotabato, on Sept. 18 — as reminders that school safety requires continuous learning and cooperation.

PRO-6 said lessons from these incidents could strengthen preparedness, early coordination and community awareness in Western Visayas.

Tuaño said each incident should yield practical steps to improve preparedness, awareness and prevention without creating fear.

“Every incident gives us something to learn from. We look at what happened, what we can strengthen, and what we can do earlier to prevent a similar situation. Hindi natin kailangang hintayin na magkaroon ng insidente sa ating lugar bago tayo maging handa,” Tuaño added.

Meanwhile, PRO-6 also supports Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla’s call for parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children’s welfare, including paying attention to their online activities, behavior and concerns that may require guidance or appropriate professional support.

Responsible firearm ownership and secure storage also remain important in preventing unauthorized access to firearms.

Tuaño emphasized that school safety cannot depend on police presence alone, saying early communication among parents, teachers, students, police officers, barangay officials and community partners can help ensure concerns receive attention before they escalate.

“We want our schools to remain places where children can learn without fear. Our role is to be prepared, visible, and responsive, but we also need the community to speak up when something needs attention. Ang bawat concern na maagang naipapaabot ay pagkakataon para maagapan,” he said.

PRO-6 will continue reviewing its school safety and emergency response initiatives and strengthening partnerships across Western Visayas to turn lessons from incidents elsewhere into practical measures to prevent similar situations and keep schools safe.