The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday ordered all units nationwide to actively support the Department of Education’s (DepEd) enhanced security measures following a recent incident involving a minor at a high school in Tacloban City.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force will back the campus security initiatives implemented by Education Secretary Sonny Angara to protect students and teachers.

The move follows directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

“We have directed all police regional and local units to closely coordinate with DepEd officials, conduct security assessments, increase police visibility around schools, and actively participate in intelligence-sharing and threat-monitoring efforts,” Nartatez said.

DepEd recently launched its safety campaign following the incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.

The agency’s measures include a nationwide campus safety audit, policy reviews, and fund allocations for security equipment and infrastructure upgrades.

Nartatez stressed that the police presence is intended to be preventive and community-oriented, rather than intrusive.

“Police officers deployed near schools will engage with students, teachers, and parents in a professional and approachable manner, focusing on safety, trust-building, and rapid response to concerns,” Nartatez said.

Meanwhile, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines urged the government to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support services in public schools, arguing against harsher punitive actions.

The labor group cautioned against viewing the Tacloban incident primarily as a law enforcement issue. Investigators previously revealed that a 14-year-old student had created a fake social media account to post threats.

Police later determined the student had no means or intent to carry out an attack, noting the posts were an attempt to gain attention amid personal and family problems.

“The safety and well-being of learners, teachers, and school personnel must always be the foremost consideration,” ACT chairperson Ruby Bernardo said. “However, the response must be guided by facts and by a genuine concern for the welfare of children, not by reflexive calls for more punitive policies.”

Bernardo said the case highlights systemic shortages in the public school system. The group renewed its appeal for the government to hire 150,000 teachers, build 165,000 classrooms, and employ 300,000 support personnel, including guidance counselors, nurses, and dedicated security guards.