Gov. RV Evardone called an urgent inter-agency meeting to review and strengthen school security measures in Eastern Samar following the recent shooting incident in Zamboanga City that victimized students.
Among the proposed measures is a school safety audit to prioritize schools for security improvements based on student population, functioning CCTV cameras, environmental conditions, accessibility, crime rate, and other security concerns.
The audit will also assess perimeter fencing and identify schools needing stronger fences and priority for CCTV procurement and installation.
Officials also discussed the deployment of security personnel and use of metal detectors, as well as stronger coordination among schools, parent-teacher associations (PTAs), local government units (LGUs), and barangay local government units (BLGUs). Barangay tanods may also be deployed during class hours to secure areas outside school vicinity.
A tiered emergency response system was also proposed, with Level 1 incidents handled within the school, Level 2 requiring assistance from the BLGU, and Level 3 requiring intervention from the Philippine National Police (PNP). The province may also test its 911 emergency response system to assess its readiness for school-related emergencies.
The meeting also emphasized the need to address student concerns involving bullying, threats, and other forms of violence, while strengthening school child protection committees.
For its part, the ESPPO presented measures to increase police visibility around schools, including Police Assistance Desks, foot patrols during student arrival and dismissal, coordination with school officials, anti-bullying campaigns, and intensified efforts against loose firearms.
Oplan Katok will likewise be strengthened through law enforcement activities involving personnel with service firearms and individuals with registered firearms, in accordance with existing laws and procedures.
Officials also discussed simulations of shooting incidents to improve school preparedness and emergency coordination among schools, barangays, local governments, and law enforcement agencies.
Evardone stressed the need for a proactive approach to school safety.
“Dapat matugunan naton before it happens,” he said, “before it happens to us, which hopefully will not, we have measures in place kon ano it aton bubuhaton” emphasizing the importance of identifying and addressing potential threats before incidents occur. (TAC-GBP)
